By Teddy Nwanunobi
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the train accident on the Itakpe-Warri rail corridor on Monday (June 8), and ensure that adequate compensation for affected victims by the incident.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Delta lawmaker, Francis Waive, during plenary on Tuesday, where he expressed concern over the tragic accident that occurred yesterday, which resulted in the death of four persons and injuries among passengers and other affected persons.
Moving the motion, Waive noted that preliminary reports indicated that “At least, four persons lost their lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
He described the Itakpe-Warri rail line as one of Nigeria’s most strategic standard-gauge railway corridors, linking Delta, Edo and Kogi states, and serving thousands of commuters, traders, and businesses daily.
“The accident has heightened concerns about passenger safety, operational standards, maintenance practices and emergency preparedness within the country’s railway system,” he said.
Waive, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also noted that beyond the loss of lives and physical injuries, “many passengers suffered financial losses, emotional trauma, disruption to business and personal engagements, as well as damage to their belongings.
“The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and reliability of rail transportation in the country and underscores the need for urgent remedial measures to prevent a recurrence.”
The House commended the Delta State Government, emergency response agencies, healthcare workers, security personnel, and residents who participated in rescue efforts and ensured prompt medical attention for the injured.
Following the adoption of the motion, lawmakers urged the NRC to “carry out a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the accident and make its findings public.”
The House also directed the Corporation to “adequately compensate passengers affected by the incident for injuries sustained, losses incurred and the trauma suffered as a result of the mishap.”
The House further mandated its Committee on Land Transport and Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of the resolution and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.”
The Itakpe-Warri rail corridor, commissioned for commercial operations in 2020, is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail projects and serves as a critical transportation link between the North Central and South-South regions.
While rail transport has increasingly become a preferred mode of travel for many Nigerians because of rising road insecurity and the high cost of air travel, concerns over safety and infrastructure maintenance have persisted.
In recent years, Nigeria’s rail sector has recorded several incidents that have raised questions about operational safety. In March 2022, a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna was attacked by terrorists, resulting in deaths, injuries and the abduction of several passengers.