The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has taken full responsibility for Tuesday’s train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Opeifa expressed deep regret over the incident, which left six passengers injured and disrupted services for hundreds of commuters.
“Once it happens, the chief executive must take responsibility. I take full responsibility,” he declared.
Authorities confirmed that while no lives were lost, four passengers remain under medical care, while two others have since been discharged. Emergency evacuation of more than 600 passengers and staff was carried out successfully, preventing a larger tragedy.
Opeifa further assured the public of the NRC’s commitment to safety, noting that preventive measures are being taken across the rail network. He referenced the recent closure of the Warri–Itakpe line for maintenance as part of the corporation’s proactive safety approach.
A joint investigation by the NRC and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Opeifa pledged that findings from the inquiry would be made public, stressing that there would be “no cover-up.”
Public Reactions and Implications
The derailment has reignited national conversations about railway safety in Nigeria, where over 180 derailments have been recorded in the last six years. While Opeifa’s acceptance of responsibility has drawn commendation from some quarters, critics argue that systemic reforms are urgently required to prevent future incidents.
For now, services on the Abuja–Kaduna line remain suspended until safety guarantees are put in place.
Why This Matters
- Leadership and Accountability
Opeifa’s public acceptance of responsibility stands out amid a history of opaque reactions to infrastructure failures. It demonstrates strong leadership and may help rebuild public trust. - Safety Comes First
Closing the Warri–Itakpe route earlier signals a shift toward proactive rail safety interventions, not just reactive damage control.The Pledge - Human Impact
With several injured passengers and hundreds affected by service disruption, the incident underscores the need for compassionate, visible leadership in crisis moments.
While the NRC boss has taken responsibility, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether words will be matched with action—because for rail users, safety cannot be compromised.