The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to investigate the recent derailment on the Itakpe-Warri rail corridor and ensure that victims of the incident receive appropriate compensation.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Delta lawmaker Francis Waive during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers expressed concern over the safety of rail transportation in the country.
Waive raised alarm over the accident, which occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, noting that it resulted in fatalities and injuries among passengers.
He stated during the motion that “At least four persons lost their lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
The lawmaker described the rail line as a major transport route linking several states and serving thousands of passengers daily, stressing its importance to commerce and mobility.
He also said the incident had heightened concerns about safety standards, maintenance practices, and emergency preparedness in Nigeria’s railway system.
“The accident has heightened concerns about passenger safety, operational standards, maintenance practices and emergency preparedness within the country’s railway system.”
Waive further noted that beyond the loss of lives and injuries, passengers also suffered financial setbacks and emotional trauma due to the derailment.
He stressed the need for urgent corrective measures to improve safety and prevent future occurrences.
The House commended emergency responders, security agencies, and residents who assisted in rescue operations and provided support to victims.
Following deliberations, lawmakers urged the NRC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the derailment and make its findings public.
They also directed the agency to compensate affected passengers for injuries, losses, and psychological trauma.
“The House also directed the corporation to “adequately compensate passengers affected by the incident for injuries sustained, losses incurred and the trauma suffered as a result of the mishap.”
In addition, the Committees on Land Transport and Legislative Compliance were mandated to monitor implementation of the resolution and report back within four weeks.
The Itakpe-Warri rail line, commissioned for full commercial operations in 2020, remains a key part of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, linking the North-Central and South-South regions.
The derailment has renewed concerns about rail safety in the country, with stakeholders calling for stronger maintenance systems, improved oversight, and enhanced operational standards.
