Human error, not vandalism, caused recent train accident ― NRC MD

● Assures passengers safety

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has moved to allay public fears regarding rail safety, clarifying that a recent train accident was solely due to “human error” and not a result of vandalism or a security breach. He made this clarification during an interview on The Exchange Podcast, hosted by Femi Soneye.

Opeifa addressed what he described as “genuine concerns” from Nigerians about safety and security on the rails. He used the opportunity to contextualise rail travel, arguing that it remains one of the safest modes of land transport, with a high chance of passenger survival in the event of an accident. He referenced a specific incident in Abuja where a train carrying 618 passengers derailed. He noted that “not a single fatality” was recorded, with only 22 persons sustaining injuries.

Opeifa highlighted this outcome as a testament to the inherent safety of rail systems and the effectiveness of the emergency response. The swift recovery of the locomotive using semi automated cranes and local technicians was also cited as evidence of growing domestic capacity to handle rail emergencies, which should boost public confidence. The NRC boss stated that the incident, while unfortunate, served as a real world test of the system’s resilience.

On the broader issue of security, Opeifa provided a geographical breakdown, assuring that corridors in the South West, such as Lagos Ibadan, and the Warri Itakpe line have not experienced security breaches. The main security challenges, he noted, are confined to certain parts of the Northern and Eastern regions.

He also announced that there has not been a single security related breach on any active rail corridor in the last three years. “That means something is going on that is worthy of being happy about,” he stated, commending the security agencies for their work.

The NRC MD attributed this improved security record to the relentless efforts of military and police personnel deployed to protect the rail lines. Even in areas with communal clashes, he noted, the conflicts have not spilled onto the rail tracks, indicating a successful containment strategy.

Opeifa reiterated that the corporation is committed to implementing global best practices in safety and security. This includes continuous training for staff to minimise human error, which he identified as the cause of the recent accident, stemming from a “wrong application of operational guidelines.”

The NRC, according to him, is also focusing on running more frequent train services. He noted that increased activity on the lines will foster a sense of community ownership and reduce the window of opportunity for vandals to operate under the cover of inactivity.