Senate Probes Buhari-Era Railway Projects Over Recurrent Derailments

November 4, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

The Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into railway projects executed under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, following frequent derailments, vandalism, and mechanical failures along the Itakpe–Warri standard gauge corridor.

Senator Ede Dafinone (APC – Delta Central), who sponsored the motion, told the chamber that the line has experienced at least 10 derailments and multiple service disruptions between 2023 and 2025, putting passengers at risk and eroding public confidence in the rail system.

He raised concerns over the quality of engineering, supervision, and post-construction maintenance, urging the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to carry out an independent technical audit of the corridor and implement corrective measures.

In response, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee with a six-week mandate to probe the Itakpe–Warri line and other railway projects completed during Buhari’s tenure. The committee is expected to evaluate construction standards, funding utilization, and maintenance practices to identify lapses and recommend solutions.