The House of Representatives has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, to appear before its Committee on Railways over lingering concerns about the Abuja–Kaduna train service.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Tajudeen Abass, expressed displeasure at the minister’s repeated failure to honour invitations regarding the security lapses, ticket racketeering, and operational challenges affecting the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
At its sitting on Tuesday in Abuja, the lawmakers said the minister must provide explanations on steps taken to address the persistent insecurity on the route, as well as allegations of sharp practices in ticket sales that continue to frustrate passengers.
“The Abuja–Kaduna rail line remains a critical national asset, yet Nigerians using the service are daily confronted with ticket racketeering, overcrowding, and security fears. The Honourable Minister cannot continue to ignore the parliament on these pressing issues,” the committee chairman said.
He added that the House would not hesitate to invoke relevant constitutional powers should the minister fail to appear within the stipulated time.
Several lawmakers also raised concerns over the reported increase in fares and poor maintenance of facilities at major train stations, insisting that the ministry must present a clear roadmap for efficiency and passenger safety.
The Abuja–Kaduna train service, which was suspended for months after the March 2022 terrorist attack that claimed lives and led to mass abductions, has continued to face operational controversies despite resumption.
The committee stressed that it was acting on behalf of Nigerians, many of whom rely on the train as a safer alternative to road travel plagued by bandit attacks.
