President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged urgent intervention and full support for victims of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment, which occurred on Tuesday, disrupting one of Nigeria’s busiest passenger rail corridors and rekindling concerns over railway safety in the country.
The President, who is currently on a state visit to Brazil, revealed that he has been receiving constant updates on the incident. In a statement shared via his verified X handle, @officialABAT, Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the accident and extended heartfelt sympathy to all passengers and their families.
“Even while in Brazil, I have received reports of today’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment. I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this distressing experience,” the President stated.
Tinubu further disclosed that he is awaiting a comprehensive briefing on the derailment to ensure immediate measures are implemented—both to support those affected and to fortify the nation’s railway system against future occurrences.
“I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he added.
The derailment, which briefly threw travelers into panic and halted movement on the strategic route linking the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna, has once again brought Nigeria’s rail infrastructure under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that remedial efforts are underway as investigations intensify to ascertain the precise cause of the accident. Safety experts and stakeholders are already calling for comprehensive reforms and sustained investment in rail infrastructure to safeguard commuters and rebuild public confidence in the system.
With the Abuja–Kaduna corridor being a lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, observers stress that the government’s response in the coming days will be pivotal in restoring faith in Nigeria’s ambitious rail modernization project.
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