The Senate on Tuesday resolved to conduct a comprehensive investigation into railway projects executed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, following recurring derailments, vandalism, and technical failures on the Itakpe–Warri corridor.
The decision followed a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), who raised concerns over the “persistent mechanical faults” affecting the Warri–Itakpe standard gauge line.
In response, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the projects and submit its findings within six weeks.
Presenting the motion, Dafinone noted that the railway line, once celebrated as a milestone achievement, had become a major source of concern due to frequent derailments and service disruptions. He disclosed that the Itakpe–Warri line had recorded at least ten derailments and multiple breakdowns between 2023 and 2025.
“These recurring incidents endanger passengers, erode public confidence in the rail system, and raise serious questions about project quality, supervision, and maintenance,” he said.
He urged the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to commission an independent technical assessment of the line to identify the root causes of the failures and implement corrective measures.
The Delta lawmaker further proposed an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Land Transport to affected areas, particularly around Agbor in Delta State, and recommended the creation of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit to conduct regular safety audits and ensure compliance with global standards.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) described the repeated breakdowns as a “national embarrassment,” saying huge loans were secured for railway construction under the Buhari administration, yet the projects were already failing.
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“This is not about politics,” Ningi said. “The government borrowed billions of dollars for these lines, but barely two years after completion, they’re collapsing. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
Supporting the motion, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) called for a complete overhaul of the NRC, which he said had “failed to meet its mandate.”
According to him, fixing the rail system would ease pressure on the roads, reduce accidents, and save lives.
Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) demanded transparency in the funding and contracting process, urging the Senate to determine how much was borrowed, who handled the contracts, and whether due process was followed.
Other lawmakers, including Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), argued that Nigeria’s rail failures stemmed from poor project design, weak supervision, and a lack of maintenance culture. Hussaini lamented that the same contractors who delivered reliable rail systems elsewhere in Africa executed substandard work in Nigeria.
“This inefficiency is why our roads are deteriorating—freight that should move by rail is now damaging our highways,” he said.
After extensive debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the lawmakers for what he described as a “timely and necessary intervention.” He said the investigation would help recover public funds, improve safety, and restore confidence in the rail sector.
“This is not a partisan matter,” Akpabio said.
“We must uncover what went wrong, from the loans obtained to the project execution and maintenance. Nigerians deserve to know how their money was spent.”
At the end of the session, the Senate directed the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC to immediately repair the Itakpe–Warri line, deploy additional coaches, and enhance safety standards.
It also mandated the Senate Committee on Land Transport to carry out a full-scale probe of all railway projects executed during the Buhari administration, focusing on project funding, contract integrity, and maintenance practices.
The ad hoc committee comprises Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida Hussaini, Adamu Aliero, Wasiu Eshinlokun, Osita Ngwu, Solomon Adeola, Ibrahim Dankwabo, Ireti Kingibe, and Sahabi Yau.
The resolution marks one of the most far-reaching oversight efforts by the 10th Senate, as lawmakers pledged to “uncover the truth behind Nigeria’s failing rail system” and ensure accountability in future transport infrastructure projects.