The Senate has launched an investigation into the frequent derailments plaguing Nigeria’s rail network and the utilisation of Chinese loans secured for the nation’s rail projects.
The resolution stemmed from a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central) titled “Recent Derailment of the Ujevwu–Itakpe Train Line and the Need for Urgent Investigation, Rehabilitation, and Enhanced Safety Measures.”
Presiding over Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the matter as “a national concern,” noting that despite the billions borrowed for rail development, the system continues to suffer from frequent breakdowns and safety lapses.
“We took trillions in loans for rail projects, yet the tracks are failing and trains keep derailing. Nigerians deserve to know why,” Akpabio said.
Moving the motion, Dafinone said the Ujevwu–Itakpe Standard Gauge Line — linking the South-South to the North-Central — had recorded multiple derailments and mechanical failures within days of resuming operations after a three-month suspension.
He recalled previous incidents on the same corridor between 2023 and 2024, noting that recurring vandalism, poor maintenance, and weak supervision have undermined rail safety and public confidence.
The Senate resolved to mandate the Committee on Land Transport to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and report back in two weeks, urge the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to carry out an independent technical audit of the line.
It also called for improved funding for rehabilitation, modernization, and safety systems, including signaling upgrades and emergency response measures.
The upper legislative chamber directed the NRC to implement preventive maintenance and expand passenger services and recommend the creation of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit to ensure regular audits and accountability.
To oversee the wider probe, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North). Members include Senators Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Sahabi Yau, and Ede Dafinone.
Akpabio directed the committee to invite former ministers, permanent secretaries, and key officials from the transport and finance ministries to provide records on the loans and project implementation.
“We must determine why Nigeria’s rail investments are failing while other countries that took similar Chinese loans are succeeding,” Akpabio said.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.