By Bashir Adamu Zuru
Something is fundamentally wrong with the Abuja–Kaduna train service, and at this point, remaining silent is equivalent to enabling failure. What was once a national pride and our most reliable intercity transport system and a symbol of Nigeria’s rail modernisation has deteriorated into a skeletal, frustrating, and almost useless operation. Everyone sees the problem, yet those responsible seem unbothered.
Months ago, an accident damaged a few coaches. That, in itself, is understandable. But what is completely unacceptable is the lethargy, the slow response, and the glaring managerial disconnect that followed. Instead of swift action and decisive recovery, the service has crumbled into a one-trip-per-day charade, as though we are running a ceremonial tourist train rather than a critical transport lifeline linking two major cities.
This is not just disappointing; it is a national disgrace.
Where is the managerial urgency?
Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, was once praised for being responsive. He created a passenger complaints desk which is commendable. He listened. He followed up. He acted. But today, the reverse is the case. Responsiveness is gone. Customer engagement is gone. Service culture is gone.
What we now see is silence, excuses, and confusion.
The most insulting aspect of this crisis is the illogical scheduling. Kaduna residents travel early each morning to work in Abuja. The economic logic of this corridor is simple: morning trains should move from Kaduna to Abuja, and evening trains should bring workers back home.
But what do we have today?
A morning train leaving Abuja for Kaduna.
Who exactly is this schedule designed for?
Ghost passengers?
Tourists?
Or is the NRC openly admitting that it does not understand the basic commuter pattern of this route?
This is a monumental blunder, one that exposes a complete disconnect from the needs of the very people the train is meant to serve.
Where is the Federal Government? Where is the Minister of Transport?
This crisis has lingered for months. No emergency repairs. No alternative coaches. No borrowed trains from other corridors. No temporary measures. No communication. Just silence and a shocking display of nonchalance.
The Federal Government must intervene.
The Minister of Transport must wake up.
The NRC leadership must explain itself or step aside for people who understand the weight of national responsibility.
The Abuja–Kaduna corridor is not just another route. It carries civil servants, businesspeople, security personnel, international visitors, and thousands of hardworking Nigerians who depend on it daily.
Delays here affect:
– government productivity
– business output
– security
– public confidence
– the country’s global reputation
These are high stakes. You do not treat such a vital service with carelessness.
IT IS TIME FOR ACTION
We demand:
1. Immediate restoration of multiple daily trips—morning Kaduna to Abuja and evening Abuja to Kaduna.
2. A transparent explanation for the prolonged delay in restoring full service.
3. Deployment of alternative coaches if repairs are still pending.
4. Clear communication from NRC instead of silence.
5. Accountability from the Ministry of Transport.
The Abuja–Kaduna train used to be a model. If this is how we handle challenges, then the entire system is in danger.
Nigeria cannot continue like this. The suffering is too much, the inefficiency appears deliberate, and the silence is dangerous.
The Federal Government must act now.
By Bashir Adamu Zuru
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