The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has appealed to commuters using the Abuja-Kaduna train service to remain calm, as the present disruption in movement is temporary. This was contained in a statement by the Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, on 9th December 2025, after concerns over the reduced frequency of train services on the corridor. Opeifa claims that the NRC examined a recent piece written by seasoned journalist Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi that was posted on the Journalists for Development site and found the issues brought up to be sincere and patriotic.
He referred to the Abuja–Kaduna corridor as a showcase service under Nigeria's railway upgrading initiative, pointing out that even little disruptions have a significant impact on the general people.
Commuters' unhappiness was acknowledged by the NRC, which attributed the decreased services to damage to its Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rolling stock after an August 26 incident. It apologised for the inconvenience.
Opeifa clarified that the two significant setbacks—the terrorist attack on the rail line in March 2022, which led to a thorough revision of safety protocols and increased cooperation with security agencies, and a recent derailment that damaged multiple coaches and decreased the number of operational rolling stock—were the cause of the service reduction rather than neglect. He stated that while plans are being made to deploy more coaches to resume regular service frequency, repairs and renovations are still happening.
Passengers were reassured by the NRC that the present difficulties are not a sign of a lack of dedication, but rather a stage of healing and reconstruction.
Opeifa pointed out that the Federal Government has continued to support national efforts to improve rail infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Minister of Transport collaborating closely with the Corporation to expedite complete restoration.
Regarding ongoing interventions, he disclosed that while alternative rolling stock is being taken into consideration for temporary reinforcement when practical, damaged coaches are undergoing repairs and safety certification.
Restoring many daily voyages is a crucial operational goal, he said, and security improvements along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor continue to be a high focus. As restoration proceeds, the NRC promised passengers continuous improvements and a return to full services, urging them to be patient and understanding.
He reaffirmed that the Abuja–Kaduna route is still a top priority for the Corporation and added that customer feedback strengthens its commitment to providing dependable, safe, and effective service. The Managing Director can be contacted by SMS at 08075005411, according to the NRC, which also promised open communication.