The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reassured commuters that recent disruptions and reduced frequency on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor are temporary and not a result of neglect.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Corporation responded to an article by veteran journalist Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi, published on Journalists for Development, which raised concerns over the state of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service.
The NRC said it appreciates the “passion, concern and sense of national responsibility” expressed in the piece, describing the views as genuine sentiments from a concerned customer and patriotic Nigerian. It reiterated that the Abuja–Kaduna line remains a flagship service in Nigeria’s modern railway revival, making any disruption, however minimal, widely felt.
The Corporation acknowledged the discomfort caused by the reduction in services following the August 26 incident which damaged one of its flagship Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) sets, and apologised to passengers for the inconvenience.
However, it stressed that the current limitations are not due to indifference, but stem from two major setbacks. The first was the March 2022 terrorist attack on the corridor, which led to loss of lives and trauma. In its aftermath, NRC said it prioritised safety, redesigned operating procedures, restricted late trips and strengthened security collaboration with the Armed Forces and Police to prevent a recurrence.
The second setback is the recent derailment that damaged several coaches, reducing the number of serviceable rolling stock for daily operations. Repairs and refurbishment of the affected coaches are ongoing “with urgency,” the NRC said, alongside arrangements for deployment of additional coaches to restore normal service frequency.
The Corporation emphasised that these challenges reflect “a phase of recovery, restoration and rebuilding,” not a weakening of its commitment to passengers. It noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has shown strong support for strengthening rail infrastructure nationwide, while the Minister of Transport remains actively engaged with the NRC to fast-track full restoration.
According to the statement, damaged coaches are undergoing repairs and certification for safe return to service, alternative rolling stock is being considered where technically feasible, and security enhancements along the route remain a top priority. Full restoration of multiple daily trips on the corridor was described as “a foremost operational target.”
Appealing for continued understanding and patience, the NRC expressed confidence that passengers will witness gradual improvements leading to full normalisation of services as restoration progresses.
“The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service remains our pride. We value every voice, including that of Mr. Iskeel and all passengers who rely on our services daily. Your concerns strengthen our resolve,” the statement read.
The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to safety, reliability and service excellence, adding that it will continue to communicate developments transparently. It also disclosed that the Managing Director can be reached via SMS on 0807 500 5411.
The statement was signed by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Railway Corporation.
