Sen Orji Uzor Kalu Backs Motion to Probe Frequent Train Derailments
By Gwen Chiamaka Ifeson
Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has thrown his weight behind the Senate’s resolution to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the frequent derailments on Nigeria’s rail lines.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Kalu stressed the urgent need for accountability and safety within the railway sector, particularly following the recent derailment of the Warri-Itakpe train.
He explained that the committee will look into the causes of the derailments, assess the quality of materials used, evaluate the condition of imported rail components, and scrutinize the utilization of Chinese loans for railway projects.
“I urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation to fix technical faults and restore full operational capacity across the network,” Kalu said.
The Senate mandated the ad hoc committee to submit its report within six weeks a move Kalu described as a crucial step toward ensuring the safety, transparency, and reliability of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.