NRC Trains Abuja–Kaduna Staff Ahead of Service Resumption
- Nigeria News
- 28.09.2025
- No Comment
- 22
NRC Trains Abuja–Kaduna Staff Ahead of Service Resumption
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has launched a comprehensive training programme for staff of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service at Idu Station, Abuja, in preparation for the resumption of operations on the busy corridor.
The move comes in response to a preliminary report by the Nigeria Safety Investigative Bureau (NSIB), which highlighted infrastructure decay and gaps in staff retraining as major contributing factors in the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
This proactive step underscores NRC’s renewed commitment to passenger safety, operational efficiency, and continuous staff development ahead of the official service restart.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, and released to newsmen on Thursday, NRC confirmed the commencement of the training:
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation on Monday commenced training for staff members of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service at Idu Station, Abuja, as part of preparations for the resumption of operations on the corridor.
The training fulfils an earlier promise by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, to ensure staff are adequately prepared before services resume.”
The NSIB report released on Wednesday differed slightly from the NRC’s earlier account, drawing attention to long-standing systemic challenges within the corporation.
According to the report, 21 passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, not 20 as initially reported by NRC, while no fatalities were recorded.
According to Unyimadu, the training involved senior management staff and all Heads of Departments along the corridor. The objective is to refresh staff capacity and ensure safe, efficient train operations for passengers.
The training programme also aims to strengthen safety culture, improve teamwork, and address operational gaps before the train service resumes.
Prominent figures present at the training include:
- Dr Zang James (representing the Managing Director)
- Paschal Nnorli (Liaison Officer to the Director of Human Resources)
- Deputy Directors Adesegud Ogunade and Adediran Adedamola
- Assistant Director (Mechanical), Monday Adejo
- Operations Manager AKTS, Abdulasisi Mohammed
During his opening remarks, Paschal Nnorli lauded the management’s initiative, stressing the importance of continuous learning, discipline, and teamwork. He also warned that any breaches of safety or operational protocols would be taken seriously.
Dr Zang James reiterated the importance of safe work practices, urging staff to take their roles seriously to prevent future accidents. He also announced that subsequent training sessions will be conducted department by department to deepen the learning process.
While the training represents a significant step forward, the NRC has yet to respond to NSIB’s observations regarding its dilapidated infrastructure along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. This remains a critical issue for the safety and reliability of future operations.
The NRC’s training programme marks a positive move toward the resumption of the Abuja–Kaduna train service. However, addressing infrastructure decay and implementing long-term safety measures will be crucial to restoring public confidence and ensuring sustainable railway operations in Nigeria.
Stay updated on more news about Nigeria’s transportation sector and the NRC’s efforts to improve railway safety and efficiency.
