Nigerian Senate Frowns at Unsatisfactory State of Railway System, Sets Up Committee to Investigate Devt
By Matthew Ukachunwa
The Senate of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has set up an adhoc committee to investigate the unsatisfactory and alarming state of the country’s railway system, especially Abuja-Kaduna- Kano lines.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole is the head of the ad-hoc committee assigned the responsibility to examine railway projects funding and operations.
Highlighting the reason for the probe, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said: “We also borrowed billions and billions to put in from China. Why would they still sell us secondhand rail coaches. What about the rail tracks? Why secondhand?
“So, we have a responsibility as a Senate founded in the Nigerian Constitution to ask questions, to look into these things and to correct them.
“We have always said we’re the corrective parliament.”
The committee will launch a comprehensive investigation into the mounting inefficiencies, rising insecurity, and deteriorating service delivery across the nation’s railway network.
The probe followed a motion raised during Thursday, 29th January, 2026 plenary, where lawmakers highlighted the alarming state of key rail corridors specifically the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano line, citing poor project execution and a drastic decline in operational standards.
The committee, originally constituted in November 2025, has been given six weeks to submit its final report and recommendations.
During the session, Senate President Akpabio expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current speed of the Abuja–Kaduna train service, noting that journey times have deteriorated significantly.
“The speed has dropped to the point where a bicycle or a Keke Napep could nearly reach Kaduna faster than the train,” Akpabio remarked, stressing that the system must return to its role as a modern, efficient transport alternative.
Contributing to the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi raised concerns regarding the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail line. He alleged that despite generating over N1.8 billion in revenue, there has been no visible reinvestment into service improvements.
Key issues highlighted include increased Travel Time: The trip from Abuja to Kaduna, which previously took 90 minutes, now takes approximately three and a half hours.
Reduced Frequency: Operations have reportedly been slashed from multiple daily departures to just one trip per day, significantly inconveniencing commuters.
Contract Execution: Allegations of poorly executed contracts that have compromised the long-term viability of the rail infrastructure.
The Senate’s investigation aims to restore public confidence in the rail system and ensure that the multi-billion naira investments in the sector translate into reliable and secure transportation for all Nigerians.