* Apologises to journalists for his tirade against them
Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Kayode Opeifa, have ruled out sabotage in last week’s Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, assuring Nigerians of the safety of rail services in the country.
Adressing State House correspondents in Abuja at the weekend, Alkali also apologised to the Nigerian media over the untidy melee involving NRC officials and newsmen, which resulted in a hot altercation at the scene of the incident.
“Nationwide, rail tracks are constantly targeted by vandals and scrap syndicates. But with specific reference to this incident, the track showed no signs of sabotage or structural failure. Our initial findings indicate it was an operational accident at a junction point,” he explained.
Opeifa confirmed that all 618 passengers were safely evacuated. Twenty sustained minor injuries, while seven were hospitalised and have since been discharged, with the NRC footing all medical bills.
He commended first responders, security agencies, and community members for their swift action, stressing that remedial work on the damaged track was ongoing and that train services would resume shortly.
On clearance efforts, Alkali disclosed that four of the ten capsized coaches during the Abuja-Kaduna incident last week had been removed with the aid of specialised rail cranes.
He said the government was working with the Office of the National Security Adviser on a comprehensive protection plan, just as he hinted that procurement processes were underway to link Warri-Ajaokuta-Abuja by rail.
Meanwhile, NRC boss tendered an unreserved apology to journalists, particularly to the NTA reporter who was denied access at the accident scene.
His apology followed a protest letter from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), which condemned the harassment of its immediate past national chairperson, Comrade Ladi Bala.
“If any journalist or medium felt excluded or not well treated at the accident scene, I take full responsibility and I sincerely apologise. We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide the press with access and information as events unfold,” Opeifa said.
The Minister added: “We have fixed the ‘point machine’ from here up to Kaduna, and since then, there has been no issue of derailment. For this incident, investigations are ongoing, and we don’t want to preempt the committee until it submits its report.”
A point machine, also called a switch motor, remotely operates railway turnouts by moving the blades that guide trains from one track to another and locking them securely in place. Modern systems are equipped with sensors that confirm blade positions to ensure safe operations, he explained.
The Minister further acknowledged that vandalism of railway assets remains a challenge despite several arrests and prosecutions. He used the occasion to clarify reports that N30 billion was allocated for rail security in the 2023 budget.
Alkali explained that while such a proposal was raised, it was not captured in the final Appropriation Act.
Specifically, the Federal Government had originally proposed N30.79 billion for an acoustic sensing security system on the Abuja (IDU)-Kaduna rail line, alongside allocations for completion of the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail projects, rehabilitation of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta line, and other works.
Meanwhile, Opeifa, upped his show of remorse on Sunday as went to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, to personally express his regret for his uncomplimentary remarks against them at the scene of the derailment.
Opeifa took full responsibility for his actions and offered an unreserved apology to Comrade Ladi Bala, former National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who bore the brunt of the tirade, and also the broader media community.
He emphasized his recognition of the crucial role journalists play in informing the public and his commitment to fostering a respectful and harmonious relationship between the NRC and the media.
The NRC MD initiated measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure a positive working relationship with the media. He pledged to collaborate closely with the press to promote the railway sector, provide timely and accurate information, and highlight the commendable efforts of the current administration.
The NRC MD expressed his commitment to working with the media to promote the railway sector and provide accurate information to Nigerians.
