The Senate has begun an investigation into operational shortcomings and insecurity within Nigeria’s railway system amid worries over falling service standards.
The probe followed a personal explanation raised during Thursday’s plenary, where a lawmaker alerted the chamber to the worsening condition of major rail corridors nationwide.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio set up an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the railway sector.
The committee will assess project execution, funding, operational efficiency and service delivery, and is expected to submit its report within six weeks. The Senate first constituted the panel in November 2025, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole as chairman.
Speaking on the state of rail services, Akpabio criticised the declining speed of the Abuja–Kaduna train, noting that the journey has slowed so much that a bicycle or keke napep could reach Kaduna faster.
Senator Abdul Ningi earlier raised the concerns, citing the condition of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano line and alleging poor contract execution. He added that although the route has generated more than ₦1.8 billion in revenue, services have not improved.
Ningi further said the journey time has increased from about one and a half hours to roughly three and a half hours, while daily operations have dropped to a single trip—departing Abuja at 7:00 a.m. with one return service from Kaduna—down from multiple daily runs previously.