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Tag: train

  • Abuja- kaduna rail tracks ‘ll be fixed in 10 days – Minister

    Abuja- kaduna rail tracks ‘ll be fixed in 10 days – Minister

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, says the damaged portions of the Abuja – Kaduna tracks will be fixed within the next 10 days.

    ‎Alkali said this on Monday in Abuja, while addressing newsmen after inspecting ongoing development at the cite of the train derailment.

    According to reports, some portions of the rail tracks and coaches were destroyed last Tuesday after a kaduna- bound train derailed by Asham Station.

    According to him, the staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have been working day and night to ensure that the clearing and repairing of the damaged tracks are done at the earliest possible time.

    He commended security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts in  ensuring the safety of passengers, workers and train facilities at the cite.

    “I thank President Bola Tinubu for his support since the incident occured in ensuring that we move the locomotive and the coaches and fixed the rail line in order to restart operation.

    ‎”From what I have seen, I also want to commend the Managing Director of the NRC and his team, because they are on the cite day and night trying to restore normalcy after the incident,” he said.

    The minister who said his team had done justice to the investigation, however explained that he was not in a position to pre-empt the investigation.

    “I am here with the full team from the Ministry of Transportation, Director of Railway and all his engineers and even the committee doing the investigation

    ‎”The CCECC are here, Civil Rights Organisation, all of us are here to ensure we do justice to the investigations.

    Alkali who said that the affected eight coaches would be moved out of the cite within the next two days, added that the path of the track that was affected by the accident was about 150 meters.

    ‎”So it’s not something too long. We will be able to fix the sleepers, the pallets and the rail track so that we will be back to operation.

    “It is a cardinal responsibility of government to provide welfare for its citizens. The teams are doing their best to ensure similar occurrence does not happen again.

    “However, it is the outcome of the investigations that will now reveal what actually happened. Then we look at it and ensure it doesn’t happen again by the grace of God Almighty,” he said.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train derailment not sabotage – Minister

    Abuja-Kaduna train derailment not sabotage – Minister

    Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has dismissed claims of sabotage in the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and security of rail operations nationwide.

    Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja alongside the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Kayode Opeifa, Alkali said preliminary investigations suggested the incident was due to an operational error, not a deliberate act.

    “We have fixed the point machine from here up to Kaduna, and since then, there has been no issue of derailment.

    “Investigations are still ongoing, and we don’t want to preempt the committee until it submits its report.

    “A point machine, also known as a switch motor, is a device that moves rail turnout blades, allowing trains to change tracks safely and efficiently,” he stated.

    Alkali acknowledged that vandalism continued to pose a serious challenge to railway safety, in spite of ongoing arrests and prosecutions of those damaging rail infrastructure.

    He confirmed that four out of ten derailed coaches had been recovered using specialised railway cranes and equipment.

    He also revealed that procurement was underway to extend the rail line from Warri to Ajaokuta and eventually to Abuja.

    In his remarks, NRC Managing Director, Opeifa apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over a reported altercation involving the immediate past National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ladi Bala, during media coverage of the derailment.

    “If any journalist or medium felt excluded or not well treated at the accident scene, I take full responsibility and sincerely apologise.

    “We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide the press with access and information as events unfold,” Opeifa said.

    Corroborating the minister’s stance, Opeifa also ruled out sabotage, citing technical evidence from the derailment site.

    “Nationwide, rail tracks are constantly targeted by vandals and scrap syndicates.

    “But with specific reference to this incident, the track showed no signs of sabotage or structural failure.

    “Our initial findings indicate it was an operational accident at a junction point,” he explained.

    He confirmed that all 618 passengers on board the train were successfully evacuated without any loss of life or serious injuries.

    Opeifa assured that efforts were ongoing to restore full train services, stressing that passenger safety and service reliability remained top priorities.

  • JUST IN: NSA hands over 128 rescued kidnap victims to their families

    JUST IN: NSA hands over 128 rescued kidnap victims to their families

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday reunited 128 rescued kidnap victims with their families in Abuja.

    The victims, females and children were rescued by security forces in two different operations in Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State, according to Ribadu.

    He said the victims will be treated for trauma and helped to settle down in their communities.

    Ribadu, while commending security forces, assured that the perpetrators will be hunted and brought to justice.

    Earlier,the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre Major General Adamu Laka said one of the rescued children died due to illness while a premature baby delivered during the rescue operation was being incubated in a medical facility.

    Details shortly…

  • NRC confirms incident on Abuja-Kaduna route, assures of normalcy

    NRC confirms incident on Abuja-Kaduna route, assures of normalcy

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that one of the coaches’ wheel on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) experienced hot axle some kilometres to Rigasa Station in Kaduna.

    The incident, which happened on Wednesday evening is due to hot wheels friction as a result of abnormal temperature due to excessive heat on the journal housing.

    However, the situation was immediately brought under control and the train marshalled to Kaduna and to safety.

    Consequent upon this incident, the train service will experience some capacity issues, which may affect some customers booked on the business class.

    Passengers who were booked on the affected coach for Thursday, have all been contacted through the details they provided online.

    The Management is working to ensure the disruption is minimal and that normal service would resume before the afternoon services.

    “We assure all our customers and passengers of their safety on our train services as we are determined to continue to provide the best travel experience on all our train networks.

    We apologize and regret all the inconvenience.”

  • BREAKING! Chaos as train compartment pulls out in motion at Ladipo Section of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway

    BREAKING! Chaos as train compartment pulls out in motion at Ladipo Section of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway

    There was confusion on Thursday morning when a train compartment pulled out from the rest of the coaches at the Ladipo section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, temporarily disrupting movement in the area.

    The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. and lasted for over 30 minutes. The affected train was travelling from Ogba Ayo in Ogun State to Apapa in Lagos State.

    An eyewitness, Oloruntoba Omodele, said the rear compartment suddenly broke away from the moving train, startling both passengers and commuters nearby. While the incident caused confusion and alarm, no casualties were reported.

    “All the passengers were taken aback, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” said Oloruntoba, who witnessed the incident.

    The Ladipo axis, known for heavy traffic and congestion, has previously been the site of several major vehicular accidents.

    Thursday’s incident further heightened concerns about safety along the corridor, though emergency responders were said to have arrived swiftly to manage the situation and ease the resulting traffic buildup.

    While authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the detachment, observers have called for a thorough investigation and more stringent maintenance of rail infrastructure—particularly in densely populated and high-traffic zones such as Lagos.

  • Warri-Itakpe train services still on hold – NRC

    Warri-Itakpe train services still on hold – NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Warri-Itakpe train service remains on hold.

    NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    Opeifa reminded the public that the NRC temporarily suspended full services on the Warri-Itakpe Train Services (WITS) on Thursday, April 10, due to technical and operational issues.

    “This suspension is to ensure safety, better customer service experience, and improved operational efficiencies,” he said.

    He further explained that although the technical team had resolved the major issue, more time was needed to implement necessary redundancies for sustainable operations and address other operational matters related to customer service, equipment safety, and procedures.

    Opeifa apologised to affected passengers, businesses, and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused and assured them that the Warri-Itakpe train services would soon return “bigger, stronger, and better.”

  • FG denies approving Lagos-Abuja bullet train project

    FG denies approving Lagos-Abuja bullet train project

    The Federal Ministry of Transportation has refuted a story purporting an imminent launch of a  “Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train that will reduce travel time between both cities from 12 hours to just two to three hours”.

    In a rejoinder issued by the management of the ministry in Abuja,  it stated that the report widely circulated in online platforms is fake and unfounded.

    It stressed that the claim by the Director of Operations of Geofocus Consortium,  Yinka Idris, in a statement he issued and made available to journalists was false.

    “It is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story, Geofocus Consortium held a meeting with the Federal ministry Of Transportation in 2016 to discuss the unsolicited proposal to build a bullet train from Lagos to Abuja under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with 100% financing by the proponent.

    “However, in 2024, the document, an outline Business Case (OBC) was forwarded to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in line with their mandate for vetting and due diligence.

    “ICRC responded with a request that the company provides a support letter from their financiers which they are yet to comply.

    “The company is aware that, the ICRC has not granted approval on the OBC with particular reference to the proof of funds which is necessary to proceed for submission of FBC.

    “It should however, be noted that, it is only when these requirements are met that, a memo will be sent to Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

    “Hence, the story that the feasibility studies are completed, and proof of funds has been secured is just in the imagination of the company, as it is yet to fulfil the requirements needed,” the rejoinder read

    The management, therefore requested Geofocus Consortium to apologise to the Ministry and Nigerians at large for carrying out information that is not factual.

    It also implored Nigerians to be weary of the fake news and ignore it.

    “For quality reportage, the online paper and others that carried the fake story are also advised to seek clarification on issues before going to print to avoid broadcasting fake news.

    “The Ministry through the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali is working hard to fulfil its mandate in the sector.

    The ministry is also working to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as it relates to the Transportation sector,” it stated.

    The management solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders for the sector to succeed.

  • Delta Blazes Trail In CNG Vehicles

    Delta Blazes Trail In CNG Vehicles

    …Signs Conversion MoU With NIPCO

    Delta State Government and NIPCO Gas Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centre of vehicles in the state.

    The brief ceremony took place in Asaba on Thursday with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, and the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, signing on behalf of the state government, while Mr Sanjay Tarat signed for NIPCO Gas Limited.

    After the signing of the MOU, Dr Emu said it was a deliberate effort of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a place for residents of Asaba to convert their petrol – dependent vehicles to CNG- powered ones.

    He challenged the company to ensure that it made good use of the place provided for the take -off of the project, in addition to sticking to quality standard in handling the project.

    Emu said Governor Oborevwori “takes seriously the issue of timeliness and quality” and warned that the state would not hesitate to revoke the MoU if the company failed to perform accordingly.

    He said; “we have shown commitment by providing you with a 3,000 square meters facility in the heart of Asaba.

    “The conversion to CNG is the way to go; the governor was among the very few governors who drove in an E.V and CNG vehicles. Yes, planning takes a while and here we are with this engagement.

    “It shows that we want to get the fundamentals right before we start getting the vehicles. Without the CNG stations in our environment, we can’t go anywhere.

    “So, we like to welcome you to Delta State. This ceremony is important to us and the name chosen is a brand and NIPCO is one, especially as it concerns CNG; one of the foremost in the country.

    “Timelines are very critical to us. Please, endeavour to keep to timelines. I am sure you have heard about His Excellency’s penchant for timelines and quality jobs on the social media space.

    “We shall not hesitate to revoke this MoU on account of your inability to perform. We do know you can perform and your inability to perform, we have mitigated by providing the space; which is also what we owe you. Therefore, the ball is in your court”, he added.

    The team later moved to the site of the project on Summit Road by Inter Bau Roundabout, Asaba for official handle over.

    They were conducted round by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, who disclosed that CNG was more cost- effective than petrol and called on citizens to embrace it.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said; “You may want to ask why we are starting now, we had to do a good feasibility study. We felt that we cannot bring in CNG busses when there are no stations to fuel them.

    “You must first and foremost have where you will fuel and refuel these vehicles before they can start running. And let me assure you that the fact that they are starting in Asaba does not mean they are stopping here.

    “Once this is done, we will move to other major cities, starting with Warri, and, later, the various local government headquarters. So, we believe that once this is done, given the difference between the cost of CNG and PMS, the cost of transportation will definitely come down.

    “The government has also assured that all that is needed for them to meet the deadline will be made available. And you heard them mention that this is the first time a governor is practically involved.”

    The Chief Operating Officer of NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Sanjay Tarat, appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top officials of the state for facilitating the process.

    “I appreciate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this opportunity and the Commissioner for Transport. Delta State is the first state in Nigeria to have provided this kind of location for our CNG.

    “We definitely promised the Commissioner that we will need six months to complete it. But be rest assured that this job will be completed before then and we will prove it.

    “The only thing is that we have to follow all the laws and rules. We definitely know that this being the first station, will not be the last station. So, we are very thankful to the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Delta State Government.”

  • Fire disrupts Lagos train operations

    Fire disrupts Lagos train operations

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says the Blue Line train operations will resume on Sunday morning after it was disrupted by fire.

    Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, Head, Corporate Communication, LAMATA, disclosed this in a statement.

    “LAMATA acknowledge a spark, inducing fire on Saturday at a section of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) near the old NEPA Station by Eko Bridge around Apongbon area of Lagos Island.

    “As a result, passenger operations of the Blue Line were disrupted.

    “Following the spark, the system isolated the section for investigators and engineers from the independent power plant, powering the train, to trace the source of the fire.

    “The closed-circuit camera along the section promptly alerted emergency staff who triggered the emergency response process,” he said.

    The official said that no passengers on the train and workers were in danger following the fire incident

    He said that engineers were working hard to replace the burnt cables.

    “LAMATA is committed to ensuring safe operations of the Blue Line, the first rail system to be powered by electricity in West Africa,” he said.

  • Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

    Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says the 25 per cent   rebate on fares  for regulated public bus, ferry and train services ends on Sunday (June 2).

    LAMATA made this known on its official X handle.

    “From June 3, fares on all regulated transport services in the state will return to the original 100 per cent,” it said.

    Recall that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Feb. 23, announced a 25 per cent rebate on the fares to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on Lagos residents.