By Chinelo Obogo
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said that the preliminary report of the train derailment investigation into the Abuja–Kaduna service accident will be released in 23 days.
Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh who addressed a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday said the agency will use the period to ensure the public receives verified information while investigation is on.
“This entails that we are able to gather all the actual evidence related to the occurrence, at least those that will give us a way forward. So, within 30 days, we should provide you with a preliminary report,” he said.
The incident involved a Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) passenger train with eight coaches and two locomotives which departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 hours and stopped briefly at Kubwa Station before derailing at Asham Station.
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According to the NSIB, five coaches derailed shortly after passing a track switch. The forward locomotive and two coaches overturned, while the rear locomotive and the last coach remained on track.
A total of 583 people were on board. Twelve passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate, but there were no fatalities.
Badeh said the NSIB is conducting an independent train derailment investigation under the Railways Regulation 2024, emphasising that the process is not about apportioning blame but identifying root causes and contributing factors.
“This process focuses on gathering and analysing information, determining causes and contributing factors, and issuing safety recommendations,” Badeh said.
He said immediately after notification from the NRC, the NSIB appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) with full authority over the accident site and that data such as speed recordings, on-board CCTV, vigilance control systems, and over-speed trip mechanisms are being secured for analysis.
The NSIB confirmed that a draft final report will be prepared upon completion of the train derailment investigation. This report will include factual information, analysis, and safety recommendations. It will be shared with stakeholders such as the NRC before public release.
“Family assistance will also be provided, including coordination with government agencies, the NRC, and associations representing survivors and their families,” he said.
Badeh also spoke on the financial constraints they are facing, stating that although the NSIB Act mandates financial support, agencies such as NIMASA have yet to remit required funds.
“We must train investigators, not just in aviation, but also in rail, maritime, and other sectors. As you’ve seen with this accident, it almost seems like we’re waiting for accidents to happen. What we need is proactive prevention, and that requires more funding,” he said.
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