In a decisive move to address mounting concerns over the reliability and safety of Nigeria's railway infrastructure, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously resolved to initiate an exhaustive investigation into all railway projects executed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This resolution comes in the wake of recurrent operational failures, particularly on the Itakpe–Warri standard gauge rail line, which has been plagued by a series of derailments that have eroded public trust and highlighted systemic deficiencies in project execution and maintenance.
The upper legislative chamber, during its plenary session, established a dedicated ad hoc committee specifically mandated to scrutinize the contracts, funding mechanisms, and overall implementation of rail initiatives undertaken between 2015 and 2023 under Buhari's leadership. The committee's scope is broad, encompassing a thorough review of procurement processes, financial allocations, contractor performance, and adherence to technical specifications. Lawmakers have set a stringent timeline, requiring the panel to submit a detailed report within six weeks, underscoring the urgency of the matter in light of ongoing safety risks to passengers and the broader implications for national transportation networks.
The composition of the ad hoc committee reflects a cross-section of Nigeria's geopolitical zones and political affiliations, ensuring a balanced and impartial inquiry. Key members include Senator Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North, known for his outspoken advocacy on governance issues; Senator Huseini Babaginda from Jigawa; Senator Adamu Aliero from Kebbi Central; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun from Lagos East; Senator Osita Ngwu from Enugu West; Senator Adeola Solomon from Ogun West; Senator Ibrahim Dankwabo from Gombe North; Senator Ireti Kingibe from the Federal Capital Territory; and Senator Sahabi Yau from Zamfara North. This diverse lineup is expected to bring varied perspectives to the table, facilitating a comprehensive analysis that could lead to actionable recommendations for reforming the country's rail sector.
The impetus for this probe originated from a motion sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central. In his presentation, Dafinone painted a grim picture of the Itakpe–Warri rail corridor, labeling it a flagship project of the previous administration that has instead become a symbol of inefficiency. He detailed "disturbing and persistent technical breakdowns," noting that between 2023 and 2025, the line has suffered no fewer than ten derailments. These incidents, he argued, not only endanger lives but also undermine confidence in the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the federal government's ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure. Dafinone called for immediate interventions, including an independent technical audit by the NRC and the Ministry of Transportation, enhancements to operational capacity, and the introduction of at least two daily passenger services in each direction to alleviate pressure on alternative transport modes.
The motion sparked a robust debate among senators, with many echoing Dafinone's concerns and expanding on the broader ramifications. Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central described the frequent derailments as a "national embarrassment," emphasizing that such failures tarnish Nigeria's image and demand swift accountability to restore faith in public institutions. He stressed that the probe must go beyond surface-level fixes to unearth root causes, including potential lapses in oversight during the Buhari era.
Adding to the chorus, Senator Patrick Ndubueze from Imo North advocated for a radical overhaul of the NRC itself. He contended that the corporation's inefficiencies are exacerbating strain on the nation's road infrastructure, which is already overburdened and prone to deterioration. Ndubueze argued that a dysfunctional rail system forces undue reliance on highways, leading to increased accidents, congestion, and economic losses. His remarks highlighted the interconnectedness of transportation modes and the need for holistic reforms to achieve a balanced national logistics framework.
Senator Solomon Adeola from Ogun West focused on the financial dimensions, insisting on a transparent examination of how billions—indeed, trillions—of naira were disbursed for these projects. He demanded scrutiny of contractor selections, compliance with due process, and value-for-money assessments to determine if public funds were judiciously utilized. Adeola's intervention underscored the fiduciary responsibility of the Senate in safeguarding taxpayer resources and preventing future fiscal leakages.
Senator Babangida Hussaini from Jigawa North-West provided a comparative lens, pointing to chronic issues of poor planning and a deficient maintenance culture in Nigeria's rail projects. He contrasted this with the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya, constructed by similar Chinese contractors, which has demonstrated remarkable durability and operational success since its inception. Hussaini posited that Nigeria's challenges stem not from external factors but from internal shortcomings in project management and post-completion upkeep, urging the committee to identify these gaps for corrective action.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a scathing yet measured critique of historical mismanagement in the rail sector. He expressed profound dismay at the swift degradation of infrastructure that had consumed "trillions of naira" in investments, questioning whether certain lines were authentically new constructions or merely refurbished older tracks masquerading as modern developments. Akpabio issued a stern warning about individuals implicated in past failures who are reportedly eyeing political comebacks in the 2027 elections, implying that accountability must preclude their re-entry into public office.
Crucially, Akpabio delineated the timeline of the crises, asserting that the majority of derailments predated the current administration under President Bola Tinubu. "Tinubu inherited a failing system," he declared, positioning the probe not as a partisan attack but as a necessary step to rectify inherited flaws and build a more resilient framework. He implored the Senate to pursue the truth unflinchingly, hold negligent parties to account, and implement safeguards against recurring errors.
In adopting the resolution, the Senate mandated a suite of immediate remedial measures. These include urgent repairs to the Itakpe–Warri line to restore serviceability, the deployment of additional rolling stock to bolster capacity, and the enforcement of heightened safety protocols across the network. The standing Committee on Land Transport was directed to conduct on-site inspections and evaluations, providing real-time insights to complement the ad hoc panel's work. Furthermore, the establishment of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit was approved, tasked with instituting regular audits, ensuring compliance with global best practices, and fostering a culture of proactive maintenance.
Akpabio reiterated the Senate's unwavering dedication to transparency and public accountability throughout the process. In his closing remarks, he stated: “We owe Nigerians the truth. Those who mismanaged these rail projects must face scrutiny, and the lessons must prevent a repeat of past failures.” This commitment signals a broader legislative intent to not only diagnose problems but also to catalyze reforms that could revitalize Nigeria's railway system, enhancing economic connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and improving safety for millions of citizens.
The probe's outcomes could have far-reaching consequences, potentially exposing contractual irregularities, influencing future infrastructure policies, and setting precedents for oversight in other sectors. As the committee commences its deliberations, stakeholders—including the NRC, the Ministry of Transportation, contractors, and civil society—will be watching closely. The Senate's actions represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria's quest for accountable governance and efficient public infrastructure, aiming to transform a legacy of derailments into a foundation for enduring progress.
