Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) assures passengers that disruptions on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line are temporary, dismissing claims of poor management.
NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, says public concerns reflect the corridor’s importance to the national rail network. “The challenges are genuine, but they do not indicate a lack of commitment to the route,” Unyimadu says.
He explains that services decline after an August 26 derailment damages key Diesel Multiple Unit coaches, reducing operational capacity.
The Corporation identifies two major setbacks: the March 2022 terror attack, which necessitates stricter security measures, and the recent derailment at Asham Station, the second incident at the location in just over a year.
NRC says repairs on damaged coaches are ongoing while additional rolling stock is being sourced to restore service frequency. Security along the corridor, it adds, has also been reinforced.
Despite the assurances, the Abuja–Kaduna line continues to face scrutiny amid broader rail safety concerns. Industry records show more than 180 derailments nationwide between 2020 and 2022, highlighting ageing infrastructure and maintenance challenges.
The Federal Government, NRC says, remains committed to stabilising national rail services through sustained investment and reforms.
Passengers are urged to remain patient as restoration efforts continue, with NRC promising gradual service improvements in the coming weeks.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 