The House of Representatives has urged the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to investigate the recent train accidents that have occurred across Nigeria, resulting in deaths and property destruction. After observing a minute’s silence on Tuesday to honor the casualties of these mishaps, the House called on the NSIB to “investigate the causes of the various train incidences.” Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to implement measures that will curb “these unfortunate occurrences.” Relevant House committees have been mandated to ensure compliance with the resolutions and to report back within three weeks.
The resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Representative Unyime Idem of Akwa Ibom State. The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Curb the Incessant Loss of Lives and Destruction of Properties in Train Mishaps,” was presented in the plenary. Idem, representing the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, listed several incidents, including attacks on trains and passengers. He noted, “The House is aware that in January 2023 a train accident was reported in the Kubwa axis of Abuja, which claimed the life of Selimota Suleiman, a staff member of the Nigerian Television Authority. On Thursday, March 9, 2023, a moving train rammed into a BRT bus in Lagos State, claiming about six lives and injuring many others. On March 28, 2022, an Abuja‑Kaduna train was attacked, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and abductions. A Warri‑Itakpe train derailed in the Kogi forest, leaving not less than 300 passengers stranded, barely a month after about 20 passengers were abducted from a train station in Igueben, Edo State.”
Idem added that the House is saddened that, despite these tragic trends—often the result of individual carelessness—no one has ever been held accountable for the loss of lives. He expressed concern that such incidents continue to occur frequently because insufficient action is being taken to prevent them.
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