News
Abuja–Kaduna Train Service To Resume Next Week — NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service is set to resume operations next week.
This follows the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham, the NRC said in a statement on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
The operator, however, said that further details on the official resumption date and schedule would be communicated in the coming days.
It explained that since the service was temporarily suspended after it derailed on August 26, 2025, the corporation had worked tirelessly to ensure both the infrastructure and rolling stock were restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices.
The NRC disclosed that as part of its commitment to passenger welfare, it had refunded 512 passengers out of the 583 on board the affected train.
“Efforts are ongoing to reach and process refunds for the remaining passengers to ensure that no one is left behind.
“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assures the general public that their safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority.
“We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders during this period of recovery,” it stated.
The derailment occurred along the Kaduna corridor shortly after the train left Abuja at about 11 am, en route to Kaduna.
A passenger on board the train described the scene as chaotic, with people scrambling to safety.
Following the incident, the NRC suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route till further notice.
During an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on August 27, the Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, took full responsibility for the incident.
Opeifa also said that the injuries of four of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers were serious.
On September 24, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said that its investigation into the incident revealed that poor maintenance and a faulty track switch were key factors behind the incident.
According to the preliminary findings, several sleepers at the station that had been damaged in a previous incident were only patched instead of being properly repaired.
Investigators also found that the automatic switch mechanism at the station’s crossing point was unserviceable at the time of the derailment, which is the second to occur at the same station within 13 months.
As a result, the switch had to be manually operated and secured using a point clip, which was later discovered to be broken. This compromised the integrity of the track alignment, leading to the derailment.
The report also noted that personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had received only initial training with no formal refresher courses, raising further concerns about safety standards and preparedness.
Operational and maintenance tools, including spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), were reported to be largely inaccessible at the time of the incident.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a change in the orientation schedule for prospective corps members posted to Enugu and Osun states for the 2026 Batch A Stream II exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme said the orientation course in the affected states will now commence on April 28 and end on May 18, 2026.
The NYSC attributed the adjustment to ongoing renovation works at the orientation camps by the state governments.
The scheme clarified that the change applies only to Enugu and Osun states.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the orientation exercise for all other states and the FCT will hold from Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to Tuesday, May 12, 2026,” the statement said.
The NYSC advised affected prospective corps members to take note of the revised schedule and comply accordingly.
Meanwhile, NYSC has announced the release of call-up letters for prospective corps members under the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II programme.
The scheme disclosed this on Monday via its 𝕏 account, stating, “2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II deployment has been released.”
The development follows the recent publication of the timetable for the upcoming orientation exercise.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Caroline Embu, the NYSC confirmed that the orientation course will commence nationwide on April 22.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has assured aggrieved members of the the party that they will not lose their entitlements if they return, declaring that many who left only did so out of uncertainty and in search of political shelter.
He therefore urged the party leadership to urgently move for reconciliation.
“Chairman and your team should put in place a strong committee to reach out to those who are aggrieved.
“There is room for them to come back, and whatever is due to them will still be given,” Wike said at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP must close ranks quickly, warning that lingering internal wrangling could weaken its chances ahead of future elections.
“In life, there must be a period of crisis. What matters is how we resolve the crisis. Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation,” he said.
Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving despite ongoing tensions.
“I have been a member of this party since 1998 and I will not leave. Whatever happens, we will continue to live as members of the PDP,” he stated.
He further called for transparency and openness in party affairs, saying this would rebuild confidence and attract back those who had drifted away.
“If you engage them, they will understand and support the party. There is need for openness so that we can achieve the unity we desire,” he added, while expressing confidence in the party’s legal team.
Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, signalled a fresh start for the opposition party, declaring that the era of uncertainty was over.
According to him, the party will strictly follow the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting its congresses.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consultation, and electoral preparation has begun,” he said, promising transparent and credible congresses across all levels.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, stressed that unity must remain the party’s top priority.
He urged members to bury their differences, warning that there was no room for exclusion if the PDP must regain its footing nationally.
Ohuabunwa also called for discipline and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, while commending reforms such as the e-registration initiative aimed at strengthening internal processes and repositioning the party for the challenges ahead.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting following the reopening of its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, after months of closure.
The meeting is scheduled to hold at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.
This comes days after security operatives unsealed the premises, which had been under lock since late last year due to internal leadership disputes.
The development marks a fresh step in the party’s attempt to stabilise its structure after a prolonged crisis. Party officials say the meeting will focus on restoring order and addressing lingering issues affecting the PDP’s leadership.
The secretariat had been sealed in November after a violent confrontation between two rival factions. One group was loyal to the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee. The other faction was headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who led a caretaker committee. Both sides had laid claim to the party’s leadership, leading to chaos at the headquarters.
The crisis deepened after a court ruling earlier this year. The Appeal Court nullified the Ibadan convention that brought in the Turaki-led leadership. That judgment shifted momentum to the Mohammed-led group.
Backed by key political figures, the Mohammed faction moved quickly. They relied on the court decision to organise a fresh convention in Abuja. That exercise further strengthened their hold on the party’s structure.
Sources within the party say today’s NEC meeting will largely be attended by loyalists of the Mohammed-led leadership. Among those expected are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Also expected are former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Party insiders say the presence of these figures signals a strong show of unity from the faction currently in control. Discussions at the meeting are expected to cover reconciliation, restructuring, and preparations for future political engagements.
There are also indications that the NEC may set up committees to address grievances within the party. Some members are pushing for a broader peace process to bring back aggrieved stakeholders.
NYSC Reschedules Orientation Date For Enugu, Osun Corps Members
Wike to Aggrieved PDP Members: “You’ll Get Your Due, Come Back”(Photos)
PDP Holds First NEC Meeting After Police Reopen National Secretariat
-
News14 hours agoFull List: Items You can no longer Import into Nigeria
-
News14 hours agoSSANU plans indefinite strike as April 30 renegotiation deadline approaches
-
News14 hours agoTerror ‘kingpin’ killed as troops arrests suspects in Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara
-
News14 hours agoNCA demands arrest of Islamic cleric over alleged bounty on pastor
-
News22 hours agoRescued eight Benue bus kidnap victims identified as UTME candidates
-
News14 hours agoJAMB releases results of 1.8m UTME candidates
-
News24 hours agoHardship Not a Licence for Broken Homes – Abejide Tells Couples
-
News10 hours agoTinubu reforms shift Nigeria from fragility to growth as global pressures mount(Photos)