….Says CCT Cameras, Key Instruments Not Serviceable
A preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has attributed the Abuja – Kaduna Train derailment, which injured 21 people last month to critical safety lapses,which includes a broken switch component and poorly repaired tracks, as likely factors.
Recall that on August 26, 2025, a northbound train AK 1, carrying 618 passengers and crew, derailed near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
A statement statement signed by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Mrs. Bimbo Olajide, informed that the preliminary report stated that the locomotive and seven adjoining coaches, the overturned shortly after passing a track switch point.
The report added that while no fatalities were reported, the event has cast a spotlight on the operational and maintenance standards of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
NSIB pointed out in its report that Initial Findings Reveal Critical Lapses as Investigators discovered that the automatic crossing point switch at Asham Station was unserviceable, forcing staff to operate it manually.
Crucially, the report further revealed that the point clip used to lock the switch in place was found broken, adding that this was the second derailment at the same location within 13 months.
NSIB said that following the previous incident, damaged track sleepers were merely “patched” instead of being fully replaced, a practice that undermines track stability, adding that
a broader pattern of deferred maintenance and a lack of resources was equally identified
The NSIB in its report revealed that several key instruments on the train, including CCTV cameras and clocks, were unserviceable.
The bureau also discovered that NRC personnel, though qualified, had only received initial training with no formal refresher courses to keep them updated on best practices and safety procedures.
The report said that the essential operational and maintenance equipment, including original manufacturer parts, were not readily available to staff.
Meanwhile, NSIB in view of these findings has issued five immediate safety recommendations toNRC to prevent a recurrence.
The serious incident and accident investigation body has recommended to the NRC to replace all sleepers affected by derailments to guarantee track integrity.
It also strongly recommended that the NRC replace all point switches at Asham Station and along the entire route with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure reliability.
The NSIB recommended that the NRC to address all track sections where cautionary speed advisories are issued to drivers, enhance operational safety, and provide formal refresher training for all personnel.
The NSIB in its preliminary report recommended to the NRC to urgently restore all defective equipment, such as communication systems and CCTV cameras, to OEM standards, citing their vital role in monitoring, safety, and operational efficiency.
The bureau said that investigation is ongoing, as the NSIB will conduct further technical inspections of the track and rolling stock, review operational records, and interview crew and passengers.
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