By Pius Awunah
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa has appealed to passengers on the Abuja- Kaduna Train route to be patient as the disruption of services on the corridor is temporary.
Opeifa made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, following public concerns over the reduced frequency of train services on the route.
Reacting to a recently published article by a veteran journalist,Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi, on the disruption of train services on the corridor,the MD expressed appreciation to the concerns and issues raised by the writer,describing them as genuine and patriotic.
He described the Abuja–Kaduna corridor as a flagship service under the Nigeria’s railway modernisation programme, noting that even minimal disruptions are widely felt by the public.
He acknowledged the discomfort experienced by commuters, attributing the reduced services to a damage sustained by its Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rolling stock during an incident on August 26.2025, and expressed regrets over the inconvenience caused.
Opeifa explained that the service reduction was not due to neglect, but to two major setbacks: the March 2022 terrorist attack on the rail line, which prompted a comprehensive overhaul of safety procedures and enhanced collaboration with security agencies as well as the recent derailment that damaged several coaches and reduced the number of operational rolling stock.
He said repairs and refurbishment were ongoing, while arrangements were being made to deploy additional coaches to restore normal service frequency.
The NRC assured passengers that the current challenges represent a phase of recovery and rebuilding rather than a decline in commitment.
Opeifa noted that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to support efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure nationwide, with the Minister of Transport working closely with the Corporation to accelerate full restoration.
On the current interventions, he revealed that damaged coaches were undergoing repairs and safety certification, while alternative rolling stock was being considered for temporary reinforcement.
He said security enhancements along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor remained a top priority and that restoring multiple daily trips was a key operational objective.
He urged passengers to remain patient and understanding, assuring them of progressive improvements and a return to full services as restoration continues.
The MD reiterated that the Abuja–Kaduna service remained a priority to the corporation and that passengers’ feedback helps to strengthen its resolve to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service.
