The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has confirmed that all over 400 passengers who boarded the Abuja-Kaduna train that derailed last Tuesday have been successfully contacted.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa disclosed that the derailment affected eight coaches and one locomotive, placing significant pressure on NRC personnel to manage rescue operations, communicate with the Presidency and public, and initiate emergency protocols.
According to him, there were 618 passengers onboard at the time of the incident. Seven coaches and the locomotive sustained damage, while 20 passengers were injured—seven critically.
“The NRC immediately deployed replacement coaches to evacuate stranded passengers and began contact tracing using the passenger manifest within 45 minutes of the crash,” Opeifa stated. “Some passengers had already dispersed to nearby towns, but we reached many of them by phone. I personally visited at least seven of the injured, including one in Zaria.”
He praised the swift and coordinated response from agencies including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, police, local vigilantes, and emergency services, stating their efforts were instrumental in saving lives. Medical teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, and FCT Administration responded promptly, with onboard medical staff prioritising life-saving care at the scene.
As of Saturday, August 30, two coaches and one locomotive had been cleared from the site, with two additional coaches expected to be removed by the end of Sunday. To facilitate this, engineers laid 50 meters of new track.
Dr. Opeifa also commended the resilience of NRC’s rolling stock, noting that some business-class passengers remained unaware of the derailment until disembarking, a testament to the shock-absorbing quality of the coaches.
While lauding journalists for their coverage, he urged accuracy in reporting to avoid public panic during crises. He highlighted NRC achievements including the reactivation of the Jos–Bukuru line, expansion of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, and planned rail links to major ports such as Tin Can, Warri, and Onne—describing these developments as unprecedented in over 60 years.
He also announced the establishment of a new Customer Service and Relations Department aimed at enhancing engagement with passengers and the media.
“In spite of this incident, our resolve to modernize railway services and expand rail access remains firm. We are working closely with state governments and the Renewed Infrastructure Fund to drive progress,” he said.
Opeifa Apologises for Verbal Assault on Journalist, Names Ladi Bala NRC Media Ambassador
At the same briefing, Dr. Opeifa issued a formal apology to veteran journalist and former National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ladi Bala, for verbally assaulting her while she was covering the derailment.
Opeifa admitted his remarks, made under pressure during the crisis, were inappropriate and uncalled for.
“I wish to sincerely apologise for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ and NAWOJ,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my words and actions, which were made in the heat of the moment.”
As a gesture of reconciliation and recognition of Comrade Bala’s professionalism, Dr. Opeifa announced her appointment as Ambassador for Media Advocacy of the NRC, commending her resilience and commitment to factual reporting despite the verbal assault.
“To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the broader journalism community,” he added.
Dr. Opeifa reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom and recalled his past advocacy for human rights, trade unionism, and democratic governance—including involvement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the June 12 struggle.
“I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists in the past. The media are our partners, not adversaries. We will continue to collaborate with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust,” he said.
He also highlighted the NRC’s gender-inclusive policies, noting that 50% of its management team comprises women promoted on merit.
Responding, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the public apology as a positive step toward rebuilding trust. However, she reiterated the Union’s zero-tolerance policy for harassment and intimidation of journalists.
“We will always stand firm in defending press freedom and the rights of our members,” she said. “With Comrade Ladi Bala now serving as NRC’s Ambassador for Media Advocacy, we expect stronger collaboration and initiatives supporting journalists’ welfare and professional growth.”
