Railway authority Boss rides on Abuja-Kaduna Train As Passenger Services Resumes

The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) officially resumed operations on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

This follows weeks of intensive inspections, safety checks, and staff training carried out by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) after fixing the failed portions after the unfortunate derailment last August with Dr Kayode Opeifa, managing director and chief executive of NRC riding with the passengers.

The first train departed from Idu Station in Abuja, stopped at Kubwa to pick up passengers, and successfully arrived at Rigasa Station in Kaduna.

A return trip was also scheduled the same day, signaling the full restoration of passenger train operations on the corridor.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers and staff onboard the inaugural trip. His presence was to personally witness resumption ride and help rebuild public confidence in the service.

Speaking with journalists after arrival at Rigasa, he expressed satisfaction and gave glory to God Almighty for His grace during the corporation’s recovery period. He highlighted the central role of a modern railway system in fostering national unity and development, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has invested massively in rail infrastructure across the country.

The NRC boss reiterated his commitment to turning around the fortunes of the Corporation by prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects, optimization of existing national rail assets, rehabilitation of all serviceable rolling stocks, expanding services, improving customer experience and modernization of operations and its efficiency particularly along the AKTS corridor. He further disclosed that a dedicated Customer Service Department has been established to promptly address passenger concerns and improve service delivery.

On safety, Dr. Opeifa reassured passengers and staff of the corporation’s unwavering commitment to security and welfare. In addition to the visible presence of police and military personnel along the corridor and in stations, he noted that discreet but effective security measures have been put in place to safeguard all stakeholders.
Concluding, the NRC boss reaffirmed his determination to position the NRC as a world-class, passengerfriendly service provider capable of driving socio-economic growth through modern, safe, and efficient rail transport systems nationwide.

MIKE OCHONMA
EDITOR