‘It was avoidable’ – NRC MD, Opeifa speaks on Abuja-Kaduna train accident
Nigerian Railway Corporation CEO Calls Abuja-Kaduna Train Accident Avoidable
ABUJA, Nigeria – Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), described the recent train accident on the Abuja-Kaduna route as an avoidable incident.
Opeifa addressed the media Monday following the derailment, which resulted in 22 injuries among passengers. Reports indicate that the train derailed after a collision en route from Abuja to Kaduna.
“This was an avoidable accident,” Opeifa stated. He noted that he personally traveled on the train after the incident to demonstrate the corporation’s commitment to safety. “There was no derailment or fatalities,” he added.
Opeifa expressed gratitude that the accident wasn’t more severe, emphasizing that it was a single train incident rather than a collision between two trains.
“We have implemented an airline methodology whereby each train is equipped with two engines instead of one. This ensures that if one engine fails, the second can control the train,” he explained.
Following a routine inspection, NRC officials discovered an issue with one of the engines overnight, prompting the decision to operate with only one. The collision occurred when a non-driving back engine—located in the power car that supplies electricity—collided with the last passenger coach.
The investigation into the details of the incident is ongoing.
