Stakeholders raise concerns over vandalism, poor management
For the 189th time in six years, Nigeria has recorded yet another train derailment, casting a dark shadow over the country’s ambitious rail modernisation drive that has already consumed more than $7.3 billion in borrowed funds.
Barely three days after resuming operations, the Warri–Itakpe passenger train derailed on Saturday evening, reigniting concerns about safety, maintenance, and the sustainability of Nigeria’s debt-funded transport infrastructure.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident, saying two out of seven coaches on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) derailed at about 7:30 p.m. near Agbor, Delta State.
The service, which has been suspended for a long time, NRC announced on the 25th of October that it would begin operations on the 29th of the month, but the transport system was shut down just three days into operation on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The Managing Directo
Continue Reading on The Guardian Nigeria
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.