Abuja: The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that a preliminary report on the train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor at Asham Station on August 26 will be ready within 23 days. NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the derailment resulted in injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and disruption of services along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. Badeh noted that emergency response and evacuation efforts were effectively managed, emphasizing that the incident highlights the need for a comprehensive and independent safety investigation in accordance with NSIB regulations.
The NSIB has been notified and has instituted an independent investigation into this railway occurrence. Findings from the ongoing investigation will inform the development of safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences and enhancing railway safety in Nigeria. The identification of causes or contributing factors does not imply the assignment of fault, blame, or liability-whether administrative, civil, or criminal. The NSIB is committed to transparency, with further updates issued as new information becomes available, including any interim statements or the final report.
Badeh stated that the investigation would be conducted independently of any judicial, administrative, or other proceedings to ensure impartiality. He said the bureau had appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) based on qualifications to organize, conduct, and control the investigation. The IIC has full access and control over the accident site, evidence, and relevant records, including the protection and custody of rolling stock, locomotives, contents, and other evidence to prevent disturbance or tampering.
The ongoing investigation, as outlined in Part 5 of the Regulation, includes a detailed inspection of the site, switch, track geometry, and infrastructure, as well as review of NRC records related to crew, station, control, maintenance, and operational data. Technical examination of locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock is also underway, along with interviews with crew, staff, responders, passengers, and witnesses.
According to the NSIB boss, the bureau may appoint technical experts to assist the IIC and may delegate parts of the investigation if needed, while ensuring coordination with any judicial panel or tribunal of inquiry. The NSIB director-general also mentioned releasing established factual information within the first year if appropriate. If the investigation identifies international aspects, such as involvement of foreign states in design, manufacture, or operation of the rolling stock, the NSIB will forward notifications to relevant states. Family assistance will be provided in line with Part 9, including coordination with providers such as government agencies, the NRC, and family associations to address the needs of victims, survivors, and their families.