ABUJA-KADUNA RAILS OF RECKLESSNESS
By Suleiman Usman Yusuf
August 26, 2025
The Abuja–Kaduna train reportedly derailed this morning on its way to Kaduna. I sympathize deeply with every innocent passenger affected.
For some time, I have noticed three problem spots on that line where the train always gives a frightening drift and makes troubling sounds. My first instinct was to raise alarm on social media and tag the relevant agencies in charge. But given the many crises Nigeria is already juggling (security, the economy, and more), I chose a quieter route. My goal is for things to be fixed, not to chase attention.
So I repeatedly drew the issue to the attention of NRC staff, on three separate occasions. Each time, I was told they were aware and had notified the relevant authorities. I also discussed it with a security officer attached to the service; he said he had reported it to NRC officials as well, with no result. I warned friends about the dangers if the tracks were not properly handled. I was actually scheduled to be on the opposite train this morning (Kaduna to Abuja) but canceled because of unfinished business in Kaduna.
With all sense of patriotism, I acknowledge that accidents happen everywhere. But what happened today reflects shared recklessness, irresponsibility, and a disturbing disregard for Nigerians’ safety and welfare. When public institutions and their officials fail at basic service delivery, we are handed a thousand excuses, but none that protect lives.
Today’s event forces us to raise fundamental questions:
• Why do we keep dramatising preventable failures?
• Why do so many in public office take from a country they are starving?
• Why do we gush over working systems abroad (snapping photos and calling it achievement) yet refuse to build the same at home when given the chance?
• Are the trains free? If passengers pay, why isn’t maintenance done properly?
• Is this service being allowed to fail so the NRC can be privatized and shared among a few?
• How much money will ever be enough before leaders decide to serve the country properly?
• Why do we tolerate needless suffering and deaths on our roads, in the air, on farms, in homes, and now on our trains?
• Why are we addicted to reactive statements instead of proactive fixes?
• Why must we wait for disasters before issuing hollow sympathies and condemnations?
• Why can’t public systems simply work for the nation and for generations yet unborn?
• Why destroy public institutions only to build private versions for personal gain?
I am certain that prior concerns about these risks have been raised within and around the NRC. Mr. President, Sir; Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sir, there must be consequences. Let there be a transparent investigation, made public. Where negligence is found, heads must roll. Set a clear example. People responsible for this avoidable mess should face the law. We are watching.
Suleiman writes from Kaduna and can be reached at suleimanusmanbac@gmail.com.