On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Sen. Ede Dafinone raised a motion of urgent national importance; he called attention to the “recent derailment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe train line” and called for “urgent investigation, rehabilitation, and enhanced safety measures” to protect passengers and safeguard national infrastructure. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, just four days after resuming operations, the Warri–Itakpe train service was suspended following a derailment on Saturday evening.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the recurring derailments on the nation’s rail lines and assess the integrity of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. The Senate said the investigation would help uncover lapses in railway operations, ensure accountability in the use of public funds, and enhance passenger safety nationwide.
The committee, to be chaired by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, is expected to conduct a thorough probe, including a public hearing, into the causes of the frequent derailments, the quality of materials used, and the state of imported rail components, Channels reports.
In addition, the Senate mandated the committee to investigate “loans received from China” for rail projects, amid growing concerns about accountability and the sustainability of foreign-funded infrastructure.
Lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation to “immediately address the technical faults responsible for recent derailments” and ensure that the rail system is restored to “full operational capacity.” The Ad-hoc Committee has six weeks to submit its report to the Senate.
