Table of Contents
- Announcement of Service Disruption
- Statement from the Managing Director
- Impact on Services
- Reasons for Disruption
- Ongoing Efforts
- Government Support
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a temporary disruption of the Abuja–Kaduna train service, urging passengers to remain patient.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, made this request in a statement released on Tuesday, following public concerns regarding the decreased frequency of train services on this corridor.
Opeifa indicated that NRC had reviewed a recent article by veteran journalist Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi, published on the Journalists for Development platform, and acknowledged the concerns raised as legitimate and patriotic.
The Managing Director described the Abuja–Kaduna corridor as a flagship service within Nigeria’s railway modernization program, emphasizing that even minor disruptions are significantly felt by the public.
The NRC recognized the discomfort experienced by commuters and attributed the reduction in services to damage incurred by its Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rolling stock during an incident on August 26. The Corporation expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
According to Opeifa, the reduction in service was not due to negligence but resulted from two major setbacks: the March 2022 terrorist attack on the rail line, which necessitated a comprehensive overhaul of safety procedures and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, and a recent derailment that damaged several coaches and reduced the number of operational rolling stock.
“Repairs and refurbishments are currently ongoing, and arrangements are being made to deploy additional coaches to restore normal service frequency,” he stated.
“We assure passengers that the current challenges represent a phase of recovery and rebuilding, not a decline in our commitment to service,” he added.
“The Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to support efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure nationwide, with the Minister of Transport collaborating closely with the Corporation to expedite full restoration,” Opeifa concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disruption in the Abuja–Kaduna train service?
The disruption was caused by damage to the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rolling stock during an incident on August 26, as well as a recent derailment and the impact of a terrorist attack in March 2022.
When will normal train services resume?
Normal train services are expected to resume as repairs and refurbishments are ongoing, along with plans to deploy additional coaches to restore service frequency.
Is the Nigerian Railway Corporation addressing passenger concerns?
Yes, the NRC acknowledges the concerns raised by passengers and is taking steps to improve the situation, emphasizing that these challenges are part of a recovery and rebuilding phase.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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