Nigerian Senate Launches Probe Into Railway Inefficiencies, Insecurity On Major Rail Corridors

 

Following the deliberations, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the committee to conduct a holistic investigation.

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday set up an ad hoc committee to investigate operational inefficiencies and insecurity in the country’s railway system amid growing concerns over declining service delivery.

The decision followed a personal explanation raised during plenary by a lawmaker who drew the attention of the Senate to the deteriorating state of key rail corridors across the country.

Following the deliberations, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the committee to conduct a holistic investigation.

The committee is mandated to examine the execution of rail projects, funding, operational efficiency and service delivery in the Nigerian railway system. It is expected to submit its report within six weeks.

The panel was initially constituted in November 2025 and is chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Speaking during the session, Senator Akpabio expressed concern over the declining speed of the Abuja–Kaduna train service, lamenting that the journey time has deteriorated to the point where a bicycle or Keke Napep could reach Kaduna faster than the train.

Earlier, Senator Abdul Ningi had raised concerns about the condition of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail line, alleging that the contract for the project was poorly executed.

Senator Ningi further claimed that despite the rail line generating over N1.8billion in revenue, there has been no corresponding improvement in services.

He noted that while the journey from Abuja to Kaduna initially took about one and a half hours, it now takes approximately three and a half hours.

He also asserted that train operations on the route have been reduced to one trip daily, with a departure from Abuja at 7am and a return trip from Kaduna, compared with the multiple daily trips that were previously available.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS