Senate Probes Loans, Railway Projects Executed Under Buhari

Premium Times

Trains.

The Senate has resolved to launch a full-scale investigation into railway projects executed under former President Muhammadu Buhari following recurring derailments, vandalism, and mechanical failures on the Itakpe-Warri rail line. Lawmakers established an ad hoc committee to probe the contracts, funding, and execution of all projects from the Buhari era and to submit a report within six weeks.

The decision followed a motion highlighting frequent technical breakdowns that had caused at least 10 derailments between 2023 and 2025. The senators cited poor workmanship, corruption, and weak oversight as reasons for the failures. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, criticised those responsible for the mismanagement of funds and accused them of leaving "a trail of waste, debt, and deception."

According to the Senate, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Ministry of Transportation should repair the Itakpe-Warri line, improve safety measures, and hire more coaches. To strengthen accountability and oversight, the committee tasked its transport committee with conducting on-site assessments and investigations into Buhari-era rail projects.

business Governance Nigeria West Africa Transport