The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has taken full responsibility for the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment that occurred along the Kaduna corridor on Tuesday.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Opeifa stated that accountability starts from the top and assured that the incident would not go unchecked.
He said, “As the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. In the case of safety, there is no indifference.
Once it happens, the chief executive must take responsibility.”
Opeifa acknowledged that the derailment was preventable and emphasized that the NRC would take every necessary measure to ensure it does not happen again.
He reassured Nigerians, saying, “Such incidents should not happen, but when they do, we must strive to improve.”
The derailment took place shortly after the train left Abuja at 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna. Passengers described chaotic scenes as they scrambled for safety.
Opeifa confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
He also highlighted ongoing safety interventions, including the recent work on the Warri-Itakpe route, which had been shut down for safety improvements.
Opeifa vowed that the NRC would conduct a transparent investigation to prevent future accidents, emphasizing the need for continuous reform in the railway sector.
