NSIB: Faulty Switch, Poor Maintenance Caused Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment

By SANI BATURE

THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says poor maintenance and a faulty track switch were behind the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment at Asham Station on 26 August 2025.

Investigators found that damaged sleepers were patched instead of properly replaced, while the station’s automatic switch was out of service and had to be manually operated with a broken point clip. This compromised track alignment and led to the crash — the second derailment at the same station in just over a year.

Although 21 passengers were injured, no lives were lost among the 618 onboard.

NSIB also flagged inadequate training for Nigerian Railway Corporation staff and poor access to spare parts. It has recommended urgent repairs, installation of OEM-standard equipment, and regular refresher training to prevent future accidents.

A final report is still pending further inspections and analysis.