By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the frequent train derailments on the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor, summoning the Transport Minister to explain the causes of the incidents and the measures being taken to prevent future occurrences.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented during a plenary session by Umar Ajilo, the member representing the Makarfi-Kudan Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.
Debating the motion titled, “An urgent need to investigate the causes of the recurring derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train, which has skidded twice in the last two weeks with hundreds of passengers on board,” Ajilo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed concern over the incidents. He noted that rail transportation is considered the safest mode of movement worldwide.
He stated, “The House is concerned about the alarming frequency of derailments along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line. The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, when a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed at Asha station, leaving many passengers stranded in the Federal Capital Territory. This marks the second derailment within the past two weeks.”
“The House noted that on Sunday, May 26, an Abuja-bound train derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna route, leaving passengers stranded in the Jere area of Kaduna State.
According to Hon. Ajilo, the House must stand to the occasion by investigating these repeated incidents to ensure that the repeated rail derailment incidents do not result in a national calamity.”
The Speaker of the House Rt. Ho. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, adopted the motion mandating the House Committee on Land Transportation to invite the Minister of Transport and other relevant stakeholders in the railway sector. They are to explain the reasons for the repeated derailments and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.
To this end, the Committee on Land and Transportation has been asked to investigate the causes of the recurring derailments along the corridor train. They are required to report their findings to the House within one month.
