The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume this week, following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham.
In a statement signed on Saturday by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer, the NRC said the suspension, which followed the August 26 derailment, had allowed for comprehensive safety inspections to ensure passenger security.
“The NRC is pleased to announce that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service is set to resume operations next week, following the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham,” the statement read in part.
The service was halted after a Kaduna-bound train derailed shortly after leaving Abuja at 9:45 am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
The NRC confirmed that refunds have been processed for 512 of the 583 passengers on board the derailed train, with efforts ongoing to reach the remaining travellers. It reassured the public that passenger welfare, safety, and comfort remain its top priorities.
The Corporation also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and stakeholders for their support during the suspension period.
An official resumption date and full schedule are expected to be released in the coming days.
The Abuja–Kaduna corridor is one of Nigeria’s busiest rail routes but has suffered repeated disruptions.
- In May 2024, a derailment occurred at Jeremy Station.
- The August 26, 2025 incident was caused by a “hot axle” fault near Rigasa Station, disrupting services.
- According to the National Bureau of Statistics 2023 Social Statistics Report, Nigeria recorded 183 derailments between 2020 and 2022, alongside 155 locomotive failures, 51 detachments, 28 collisions, and 41 miscellaneous rail accidents.
Vandalism continues to be a major challenge, with frequent theft of tracks, signalling equipment, and sabotage of critical infrastructure disrupting train operations nationwide.
The NRC says it is intensifying measures to enhance safety and prevent further disruptions.
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