By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, to appear before its Committee on Land Transport within 48 hours following his absence at an emergency session on railway safety.
In a statement issued Tuesday by House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the Committee said the session was convened in response to the August 26, 2025 derailment of a Kaduna-bound train at Asham Station, which left passengers injured and halted services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor.
Committee Chair, Rep. Blessing Onyeche Onuh (APC, Benue), said lawmakers expected the minister to brief them on safety measures, project updates, and contractual issues in the sector. His failure to appear sending only a verbal delegate—was described as a breach of House rules.
The Committee also expressed disappointment at the absence of the Managing Director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a key contractor, though the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) boss, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, was in attendance.
“The Committee, having rejected the Minister’s verbal attempt at delegation, adjourned for 48 hours and resolved to issue a formal summons for his personal appearance, and that of the CCECC Managing Director,” the statement read.
Lawmakers stressed that accountability must come first when Nigerian lives are at risk. The Committee vowed to probe safety lapses, operational failures, and contractual obligations affecting the rail sector.
The Abuja-Kaduna corridor has witnessed repeated derailments, including one in May 2024 at Jeremy Station, raising fears about persistent safety challenges on one of Nigeria’s busiest train routes.
