The Senate has ordered an immediate investigation and rehabilitation of the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail corridor following a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), who raised concerns over recurring derailments, service disruptions, and mounting safety risks on the key national route.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Dafinone described the frequent derailments and poor maintenance of the Ujevwu–Itakpe Train Line as a serious threat to passenger safety and national economic growth.
He urged the Federal Government to undertake “an urgent investigation, full rehabilitation, and stronger safety measures to protect passengers and safeguard this vital national infrastructure.”
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The Ujevwu–Itakpe rail corridor, which links the South-South through Delta State to the North-Central region, serves as a major channel for passenger movement, goods, and industrial materials. Dafinone warned that the line’s deterioration and repeated service suspensions have deepened hardship for commuters and disrupted critical supply chains across the country.
The Delta Central lawmaker also urged the Federal Government to extend the rail line from Itakpe to Abuja to achieve “full national rail connectivity,” improve maintenance systems, and expand the operational fleet to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo movement.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all resolutions contained in the motion, mandating immediate repairs of vandalised tracks, a comprehensive investigation into Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, and the consideration of the proposed Itakpe–Abuja extension.
Senator Dafinone noted that the motion “reinforces our commitment to a safer, modern, and efficient rail system that drives economic growth and national development,” stressing that a reliable rail network remains critical to Nigeria’s industrial and regional integration efforts.
