Train derailment: Reps summon Minister of Transportation to appear within 48hrs
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the state of safety on Nigeria’s rail networks.
Consequently, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has been summoned to appear before its Committee on Land Transport within 48 hours, following his absence at an emergency session convened to address urgent railway safety concerns.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the House spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
The sitting of the Committee on Tuesday in Abuja, chaired by Rep. Blessing Onyeche Onuh (APC, Benue), was convened with a clear mandate: to consider emergency issues related to Nigeria’s railway system, particularly the recent derailment of a Kaduna-bound train at Asham Station on August 26, 2025. The incident caused injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and the indefinite suspension of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. The Committee also sought a comprehensive briefing from the Honourable Minister and key stakeholders on safety measures, project status, and broader operational and contractual issues in the sector.
Honourable Members at the meeting, expressed deep concern that Senator Alkali failed to attend, instead verbally delegating a representative, an action that contravenes the Standing Orders of the House. While the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, was present, the Managing Director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), another critical stakeholder, was absent.
Members of the Committee condemned the absence of the Minister and the MD of CCECC, describing it as unacceptable and emphasising that no other assignment should take precedence over accountability when Nigerian lives are at stake. They further stressed that Nigerians are watching closely to see transparency and responsibility in railway safety and project delivery.
The Committee, having rejected the Minister’s verbal attempt at delegation, adjourned for 48 hours and resolved to issue a formal summons for his personal appearance, and that of the CCECC Managing Director. It also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry into safety, operational, and contractual matters affecting Nigeria’s railway system.
The 10th House of Representatives assures Nigerians that their safety and welfare remain paramount, in line with its Legislative Agenda on Social Sector Reform and Development (Agenda 5). Parliament will continue to uphold its constitutional duty of oversight to ensure accountability and safeguard the lives of citizens.