NSIB to reveal cause of Abuja-Kaduna train accident within 17 days

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that it will release a preliminary report on the recent Abuja–Kaduna train derailment within the next 17 days.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., said the Bureau’s investigation into the accident, which occurred on 26 August 2025, has a statutory timeline of 30 days from the date of the incident.

He explained that the preliminary findings will be unveiled within this timeframe.
“The derailment of train AK1 at Asham Station on 26 August 2025 caused injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and disruption of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor,” Badeh said.

According to him, once the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) notified NSIB of the accident, as required under Part 4 of the Regulation, the Bureau appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) to organize, conduct, and oversee the investigation.

“The IIC has full access and control over the accident site, evidence, and relevant records, including the protection and custody of rolling stock, locomotives, contents, and other materials to prevent disturbance or tampering. Evidence protection measures include securing the site, restricting access, and coordinating with railway security authorities, police, and other relevant agencies,” he stated.

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Badeh further explained that recorded data from the train—including vigilance control systems, speedometers, on-board CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms—will be preserved and analysed. He added that the NSIB may also appoint technical experts to support the IIC and could delegate aspects of the inquiry while ensuring coordination with any judicial panel or tribunal of inquiry.

He stressed that the investigation will focus on gathering and analysing information, determining causes and contributing factors (such as actions, omissions, events, or conditions that led to or worsened the derailment), and issuing safety recommendations.

Also speaking, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, assured that NSIB remains committed to its statutory mandate of conducting independent investigations with the sole aim of improving safety and preventing future occurrences.

She added that the Bureau will continue to provide updates to the public as the investigation progresses.

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