The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recent derailment on the Itakpe-Warri rail corridor and ensure adequate compensation for victims.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Francis Waive, a lawmaker from Delta State, during plenary on Tuesday.
Waive expressed concern over the accident of June 8, 2026, which claimed four lives and left several passengers injured.
He described the Itakpe-Warri line as one of Nigeria’s most strategic standard-gauge rail corridors, linking Delta, Edo, and Kogi states, and serving thousands of commuters and businesses daily.
Waive warned that the incident raised serious questions about passenger safety, operational standards, and emergency preparedness within the railway system.
Beyond the fatalities and injuries, Waive noted that passengers also suffered financial losses, emotional trauma, and damage to personal belongings.
He stressed the need for urgent remedial measures to restore public confidence in rail transport.
The House commended the Delta State Government, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and residents who assisted in rescue operations.
Lawmakers directed the NRC to:
Investigate causes of the accident and make findings public.Compensate victims for injuries, losses, and trauma.
Strengthen safety protocols and maintenance practices to prevent future incidents.The House also mandated its Committee on Land Transport and Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation and report back within four weeks.
The Itakpe-Warri rail line, commissioned in 2020, is a critical link between the North Central and South-South regions.
While rail transport has become increasingly popular due to insecurity on highways and high airfares, safety concerns persist.
Nigeria’s rail sector has faced repeated challenges, including the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022 and other derailments, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure, monitoring systems, and passenger protection.
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