NSIB Attributes Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment to Poor Maintenance, Malfunctioning Track Switch
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has identified poor maintenance practices and a faulty track switch as primary causes of the recent train derailment at Asham Station on the Abuja-Kaduna railway line.
According to the bureau’s preliminary investigation, several railway sleepers at the site had been inadequately patched instead of being properly replaced after a previous incident. This neglect contributed to infrastructure instability.
Investigators also discovered that the automated switch at the crossing point was not functioning at the time of the accident. Because of this, the switch had to be manually engaged and secured with a point clip, which was later found to be broken—compromising the track’s structural alignment and leading to the derailment. This marks the second derailment at Asham Station in just over a year.
The report also revealed that Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) staff had only undergone basic training, with no structured refresher programs in place. In addition, critical operational and maintenance tools—particularly spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)—were reportedly unavailable when needed.
The derailment, which occurred on August 26, 2025, left 21 of the 618 passengers injured, but no fatalities were reported.
In response, the NSIB issued several urgent safety recommendations. These include the complete replacement of all compromised sleepers, the installation of OEM-standard point switches across the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, and the restoration of all malfunctioning monitoring systems.
The bureau also stressed the importance of continuous training for NRC personnel to enhance operational safety and prevent similar incidents.
Although the findings are still preliminary, the NSIB emphasized that further analysis is ongoing. The bureau also called for the repair and upgrade of critical equipment, such as communication systems, CCTV cameras, and other essential monitoring tools, to meet OEM standards for improved safety and efficiency.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the NSIB plans to conduct a technical inspection of the turnout and switch mechanism at Asham Station, assess the track alignment, and evaluate the overall state of the infrastructure.
A thorough inspection of the train’s locomotives and derailed coaches will also be carried out, with special attention given to key components like brakes, wheels, and bogies.
Investigators will collect and analyze crew statements—including those from the train driver, assistant driver, conductors, and guards—as well as operational data such as speed records, signal logs, and communication transcripts. Passenger testimonies and eyewitness reports will also be reviewed to support the technical assessments.
A final report is expected to provide a more detailed analysis and include additional safety recommendations based on the complete findings.