The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to restore safe operations along the Itakpe-Warri railway corridor and extend the rail network to the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and four additional South-South states.
Lawmakers adopted the resolution on Thursday, 12 November 2026, following a motion moved by Hon. Mitema Obordor. The legislative push aims to address deadly rail accidents while unlocking regional trade across North-Central and Southern Nigeria.
The 326-kilometre Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri standard-gauge line began commercial operations on 29 September 2020. Since its launch, the route has served as a vital artery for passenger and freight movement between Kogi and Delta States.
However, persistent service disruptions threaten public confidence in the rail system. Hon. Obordor drew the chamber’s attention to a tragic incident on 8 June 2026, when a Warri-Itakpe Train Service derailed near the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Owa-Oyibu, Agbor, Delta State. Preliminary reports from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that the crash claimed four lives and left 64 passengers injured.
Frequent breakdowns force commuters back onto highways, exposing travellers to higher transport costs, severe traffic delays, and highway security risks.
Beyond immediate safety repairs, the House emphasized the urgent need to integrate the existing Itakpe-Warri railway corridor into a broader national network. Currently, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States lack modern rail links to move people, agricultural produce, and manufactured goods efficiently.
Lawmakers also noted recent executive momentum toward regional rail development. At the 19th National Council on Transportation held between 31 August and 3 September 2026, the Federal Government endorsed the Cross River State Government’s proposed Uyo-Calabar railway corridor, which will terminate at the Cross River State Deep Sea Port.
Connecting the Itakpe-Warri line to Abuja and linking Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Calabar will ease pressure on federal highways and boost nationwide economic integration.
Following deliberations, the Green Chamber adopted three primary directives to drive immediate action:
-The House urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conclude a thorough investigation into the 8 June 2026 derailment. Agencies must also conduct comprehensive safety inspections and track maintenance to restore reliable services along the Itakpe-Warri railway corridor.
-Lawmakers tasked the Federal Ministry of Transportation with conducting a feasibility study and developing an integrated master plan. This blueprint will map out rail extensions from the Itakpe-Warri line to Abuja, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States in collaboration with state governments and industry stakeholders.
-The House mandated its Committee on Land Transport to engage the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to monitor compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
