The Senate on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Nigeria’s rail services, declaring that trains operating on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor now move at a pace slower than bicycles.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the remark while inaugurating an ad hoc committee mandated to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the nation’s railway system.
“If you are using a bicycle, you will get to Kaduna from Abuja faster than the train,” Akpabio said, lamenting what he described as the steady decline in rail efficiency despite huge public investments.
He noted that the poor state of rail operations had continued to inconvenience commuters and undermine public confidence in the sector, stressing the need for urgent legislative intervention.
The ad hoc committee is chaired by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and has been given six weeks to submit its findings and recommendations.
According to Akpabio, the committee will examine rail operations nationwide, the quality and condition of equipment in use, and the efficiency of management and service delivery.
Other members of the committee include Senators Hussaini Babangida, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adamu Aliero, Wasiu Eshinlokun, Osita Ngwu, Solomon Adeola, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Sahabi Yau and Abdul Ningi.
The Senate President urged the committee to carry out its assignment diligently, noting that an efficient railway system remains critical to national development, economic growth and public safety.
He added that the outcome of the probe would guide necessary reforms aimed at reviving the rail sector and improving transportation across the country.
