By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that the preliminary report on the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment will be released in 23 days.
The train, bound for Kaduna, derailed at Asham Station on August 26, 2025, injuring passengers, damaging rail infrastructure, and forcing an indefinite suspension of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., said the Bureau would conduct a thorough technical investigation into the locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock to determine the cause of the accident and make safety recommendations.
He explained that an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) has been appointed to lead the process, with full access to the accident site, evidence, and related records. Evidence protection measures, he said, would include site security, restricted access, and coordination with railway security and law enforcement agencies.
“The NSIB has appointed an Investigator-in-Charge based on qualifications to organise, conduct, and control the investigation,” Badeh said. “Within 23 days, we should be able to make public the preliminary report of the investigation. The report will contain factual evidence that will provide direction on how the investigation will proceed.”
The Bureau will analyse data from on-board systems such as speedometers, CCTV cameras, and vigilance control mechanisms. It will also interview crew members, railway staff, passengers, and first responders.
Badeh added that while some funding has been released, the NSIB requires additional resources to train investigators and procure modern equipment for accident investigations beyond aviation.
“We require funding to train our investigators, not just in aviation but also in rail and maritime,” he said. “More extensive training and equipment are needed, especially with the expansion of rail services in Nigeria.”