The Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to investigate the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment that occurred at Jerre, with a mandate to recommend lasting solutions to strengthen rail safety in the country.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, announced the move in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Information, Janet McDickson Noah.
Expressing concern for passengers affected by the incident, the minister said the committee would examine both the immediate and remote causes of the derailment, propose preventive measures, and identify strategies to improve the efficiency and safety of Nigeria’s rail transport system.
The committee is chaired by Musa O. Ibrahim of the Department of Operations and Public Safety in Transport, and includes railway officials, technical experts, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and passenger representatives.
Notable members include Prof. Danwaka Shuaibu, Special Technical Adviser; Engr. Zirra Finbar, Director of Railway Technical Services; Barr. Omotola Olusegun, Director of Legal Services (who will serve as secretary); Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; and Engr. I.A. Ebuniwe, Inspector of Railway. Representatives from Technics Engineering Architecture Marketing Nigeria Ltd, CCECC, civil society, and two passengers—one male and one female—are also part of the team.
Senator Alkali stressed that the committee must conduct a thorough investigation and provide actionable recommendations to restore public confidence in rail transport. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s rail network, with passenger safety as a top priority.
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