The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that it will submit the final report on the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment to relevant authorities by September 25, 2025.
The disclosure comes as the bureau laments inadequate funding, warning that financial constraints are limiting its ability to effectively discharge its mandate of ensuring transport safety across Nigeria.
The Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, noted that while the agency had made progress in investigating the Abuja-Kaduna derailment, its work has been hindered by poor funding and delayed remittances from agencies like the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
“Although some funds were made available, they are not enough. We are still battling with non-remittance from NIMASA.
We must train our investigators, we need to train more, and we need equipment for proper investigations,” Badeh said.
He stressed that without adequate resources, the bureau risks setbacks in its mission to carry out credible and independent transport investigations in line with international best practices.
Despite the challenges, the NSIB investigation team has recorded milestones.
An Investigator-in-Charge was appointed to lead the probe in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders.
Evidence such as CCTV footage and technical data from the crash site has been secured and preserved to aid accurate findings.
According to NSIB, the investigation is being conducted independently, free from judicial or administrative interference, to ensure impartiality.
Capt. Badeh urged Nigerians to avoid speculations until the report is formally released.
“The investigation is thorough, scientific, and unbiased. We appeal to the public to allow the process to conclude.
The final report will reveal the root cause and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents,” he said.
The Abuja-Kaduna route is one of Nigeria’s busiest train corridors, serving hundreds of passengers daily. Official data confirms that 583 people were on board during the derailment, including crew members.
While initial eyewitness reports suggested as many as 50 casualties, official figures state that 12 passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.
Emergency teams provided first aid at the scene before transferring injured passengers to medical facilities.
However, many survivors expressed concern about the safety standards of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, citing the derailment as a wake-up call for urgent reforms.
The incident has also drawn attention from the National Assembly, which is considering summoning NRC and other relevant agencies to explain lapses that may have contributed to the derailment.
Some lawmakers argue that the derailment highlights the need for better investment in railway maintenance, track upgrades, and safety oversight.
Transport analysts add that while the NSIB’s final report will clarify the root causes, Nigeria must strengthen its rail safety framework, invest in modern monitoring systems, and provide sustainable funding to agencies tasked with transport safety oversight.
Rail transport has become a critical part of Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, offering an alternative to road travel plagued by insecurity and poor road conditions.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, in particular, has been seen as a safer option compared to the highway, which has witnessed frequent bandit attacks.
However, derailments and operational lapses risk undermining public confidence.
The NSIB’s findings are expected to provide actionable recommendations not only for the Abuja-Kaduna corridor but also for the broader Nigerian railway system.
As the NSIB prepares to submit its report on September 25, stakeholders are watching closely. The findings are expected to shed light on whether the derailment was caused by technical faults, human error, or infrastructure failure.
For the Federal Government, the report will be critical in shaping future investments and policy reforms in the railway sector.
For passengers, it will hopefully restore confidence that the Abuja-Kaduna line—and Nigeria’s railway system at large—can deliver safe, reliable, and efficient services.
While Nigerians await the report, one message is clear: the safety of the country’s growing railway system cannot be left to chance.
Proper funding, independent oversight, and timely investigations are essential to avoid a repeat of such incidents