The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised serious concerns over a growing wave of attacks targeting train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, describing the incidents as dangerous and economically damaging.

In the latest attack, suspected vandals reportedly targeted a moving train around Kilometer 177 on the route, pelting stones at the locomotive and damaging its windscreen. The incident is one of several recorded in recent weeks, highlighting an alarming pattern of hostility along the critical transport corridor.

According to the Corporation, similar acts have occurred in multiple locations, including Gidan Busa and Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, within Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In total, more than six attack points have been identified within a two-week span, intensifying operational challenges for railway authorities.

The NRC warned that these repeated attacks pose a direct threat to passengers, railway personnel, and infrastructure. It described the acts as economic sabotage capable of undermining the Federal Government’s heavy investment in rail transport and disrupting a key component of national mobility.

Despite the risks, the Corporation confirmed that train services along the corridor have continued, with heightened safety measures and increased vigilance by railway staff to ensure passenger safety. Management commended security agencies for their ongoing collaboration in protecting railway assets and maintaining order along the routes.

Efforts are currently underway in partnership with security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice.

The NRC has also appealed to residents living along railway corridors to play an active role in safeguarding the infrastructure. It urged communities to report suspicious movements and discourage acts of vandalism, warning that continued attacks could disrupt smooth service delivery if not urgently addressed.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Corporation assured Nigerians that it remains focused on providing safe, secure, and efficient rail services nationwide, while intensifying efforts to protect both passengers and critical railway infrastructure.

By Sotayo Olayinka

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved a $2.99 billion package of rail infrastructure projects, signalling a renewed commitment by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen infrastructure development and unlock economic growth.

While this initiative is widely commendable, there is a growing call for the Federal Government to extend similar support to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Strengthening the corporation would significantly improve inter-state transportation, ease the pressure on road networks caused by overloaded trucks, and enhance logistics efficiency nationwide.

Nigeria has already recorded progress with the Lagos–Ibadan rail corridor. However, greater impact can be achieved if the government connects Lagos to Abuja, complementing the existing Kaduna–Katsina line. Such integration would go a long way in addressing the country’s persistent transportation challenges. There is also increasing public demand for the expansion of rail services to the northern and eastern regions, which would create a more unified and dependable national transport system.

Many Nigerians still recall the 1960s, when train services operated seamlessly from Lagos to Kaduna and even Sokoto—an era that underscored the immense potential of an efficient rail network.

Expanding the railway system aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would deliver tangible results in infrastructure development. There is also a widely held view that the current leadership of the NRC, under Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, is making meaningful progress in revitalizing rail services.

Sustained government backing will be critical to consolidating these gains and building a modern, efficient, and nationally connected railway system capable of driving economic growth and easing transportation challenges across Nigeria.

……Engr. Adedini Declares for 2027 Reps Race, Picks Nomination Forms

Engr. Marcus Adedini has officially declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ife Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, following the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms.

His declaration marks his formal entry into the race and reflects what he described as a long-standing commitment to public service, grassroots development, and policy-driven leadership across Ife land.

A development advocate and grassroots mobiliser, Adedini brings years of community engagement and policy experience to his ambition. Through his initiative, he has spearheaded several community-based interventions spanning education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and social welfare.

In the education sector, his programmes have supported students with scholarships, learning materials, and infrastructure development. In healthcare, he has facilitated medical outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to services and raising community health awareness.

Adedini has also implemented youth empowerment schemes, equipping young people with vocational skills, startup support, and capacity-building opportunities to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment. His efforts extend to women and vulnerable groups through targeted empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

Beyond grassroots initiatives, Adedini has gained legislative exposure, contributing to the drafting of bills and motions in key sectors, including education, healthcare, and social development. Supporters say his experience in budgeting and project facilitation positions him to attract federal projects to the constituency.

Calling for support, Adedini urged residents of Ife Federal Constituency to rally behind what he described as a shared vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to run a people-focused and issue-based campaign, promising effective representation and impactful service if elected.