The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that train services along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor will resume on October 1, following weeks of suspension caused by a derailment incident. The development comes as welcome news to thousands of commuters who rely on the busy route for safe and convenient travel between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State.
The suspension, which took effect after a train derailed near Jere in Kaduna earlier this month, had sparked concerns among passengers about safety and the reliability of rail services. Although no lives were lost in the accident, the incident prompted the NRC to halt operations in order to conduct investigations, repair damaged tracks, and carry out a thorough safety assessment.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NRC’s Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, confirmed that all necessary repairs had been completed and safety measures reinforced to prevent a recurrence. He assured passengers that the corporation had taken steps to upgrade monitoring systems, improve track maintenance, and strengthen emergency response protocols.
Okhiria further explained that trial runs had been conducted successfully in recent days, with engineers certifying the line fit for full operations. He emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority of the corporation, adding that lessons learned from the derailment would be applied to enhance overall service delivery across Nigeria’s rail network.
The Abuja-Kaduna railway line has been one of the most patronized in the country since its launch, providing a vital alternative to road travel, which is often plagued by insecurity. The temporary shutdown forced many commuters back to road transport, heightening anxieties about safety, especially amid rising incidents of kidnapping on highways.
Stakeholders, including civil society groups and frequent passengers, have welcomed the decision to resume service but urged the government to invest more in rail infrastructure, safety equipment, and staff training. They noted that improved efficiency and better security coordination are critical to sustaining public confidence in the system.
With the resumption scheduled for Independence Day, the NRC expressed optimism that passenger turnout will rebound, as travelers seek safer, faster, and more reliable means of transportation. Authorities have urged commuters to continue observing safety guidelines and to report any suspicious activities as operations return to normal.
