The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has announced that the final report on the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment will be ready and submitted to relevant authorities by September 25, 2025. The bureau has also raised concerns over inadequate funding, appealing to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to address financial challenges hindering its operations.
The Director-General of NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh, expressed frustration over the inadequate funding of the bureau, stating that it is a government agency that should be adequately funded. “Although some funds were made available, they are not enough,” Badeh said. “We are still battling with non-remittance from the Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency. We must train our investigators, we need to train more investigators, and we need equipment for investigation.”
Despite the funding challenges, the NSIB has made significant progress in its investigation into the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment. An Investigator-in-Charge has been appointed to lead the probe in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation. The investigation team has secured the accident site and preserved crucial evidence, including CCTV footage and other materials vital to determining the cause of the derailment.
The NSIB emphasised that the investigation is being carried out independently, without interference from judicial or administrative bodies, in line with international best practices. Badeh urged the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the derailment, noting that the official findings would be made public within 30 days of the incident.
According to official data, 583 persons were on board the train at the time of the incident, including crew members. While eyewitnesses estimated around 50 injuries, official reports confirmed that 12 passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries. There were no fatalities. Those injured received first aid at the scene and were later transported to medical facilities for further treatment.
The NSIB’s investigation into the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment is ongoing, and the bureau is working to determine the cause of the incident. With the final report expected to be submitted by September 25, 2025, the NSIB is hopeful that its findings will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
