The Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into the operational challenges, security concerns and declining efficiency of Nigeria’s railway system, amid growing complaints about poor service delivery on major rail corridors.
The decision followed a motion raised during plenary on Thursday, where a senator drew attention to the worsening condition of the country’s rail operations, particularly along critical routes linking major cities.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the inauguration of an ad hoc committee tasked with conducting an extensive review of the Nigerian railway sector.
The committee is expected to examine the execution of rail projects, funding patterns, operational effectiveness and overall service delivery, and submit its findings within six weeks.
The investigative panel, which was initially set up in November 2025, is chaired by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
While addressing the chamber, Senator Akpabio expressed deep concern over the declining performance of the Abuja–Kaduna rail service, noting that journey times had deteriorated significantly.
He lamented that travel on the route had become so slow that alternative means such as bicycles or tricycles could potentially reach Kaduna faster than the train.
The concerns were first raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, who called the Senate’s attention to what he described as the poor execution of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano railway project.
According to him, despite substantial public investment, the quality of service on the line has continued to decline.
Senator Ningi further alleged that the rail corridor had generated more than N1.8 billion in revenue, yet there had been no noticeable improvement in efficiency, safety or passenger experience.
He noted that the travel time between Abuja and Kaduna, which was initially about one and a half hours, has now increased to approximately three and a half hours.
He also disclosed that train operations on the route had been drastically reduced, with only one daily trip currently available—departing Abuja at 7:00 a.m. and returning from Kaduna—compared to the multiple daily services that previously operated.
The Senate resolved that the ad hoc committee should engage relevant agencies and stakeholders in the rail sector as part of its investigation, with the aim of identifying the root causes of the inefficiencies and proposing practical solutions to restore confidence in the nation’s railway system.
The outcome of the probe is expected to guide future legislative oversight and policy interventions in the transport sector.
