Passengers who use the Itakpe/Warri rail transport services have lamented the continued suspension of its operations, while blaming the National Assembly Committee on Land Transport for a lack of oversight, leading to a system collapse.

Recall that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) stopped services on the Itakpe-Warri rail corridor in April 2025 due to multiple engine failures and technical issues, leading to a 72-hour temporary suspension for repairs and safety upgrades. Although some technical problems were resolved, the suspension was extended for further safety and system upgrades to improve the service’s reliability and align it with global best practices.

Francis Ibeh told The Sun that moving from Kogi State to Warri, Delta State, has become very difficult since the rail services were suspended indefinitely.

Investigation into the reason for a long delay of passenger services showed multiple engine failures waiting to be replaced, and a lack of spare parts. This underscores Nigeria’s lack of maintenance culture, a feeling that was also expressed by users.

“It is an eyesore, the number of rolling stocks packed here, and all of them have become ant-infested. I remember the day this was commissioned, how passengers have been relieved of the transportation problems. Just a while after that boom, here we are, and back again to the same old story,” Hassan Bindigo cried.

A principal partner to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) who spoke in anonymity, alleged that the issues lie with the failure of the National Assembly committee to carry out its oversight function. “Before long, things have not been working well regarding the operations, unlike other corridors, such as Lagos/ Ibadan and Abuja/Kaduna. The Itakpe/Warri experience multiple instances of vandalism, including slippers and pin removal, without a maintenance workshop here. We have that situated in other corridors, but such does not exist here. But the NRC now intends to approach the Ajaokuta Steel Company to help fabricate wheels.

“We should know that all these things happen because those left to put things in check in this country, have left their jobs undone. The National Assembly has failed. And when we talk about insecurity thriving, it is because nobody has been apprehended and made to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others”.

Engineer Maxwell Odeh said, “Now that they are to have a two-day conference on the Railway sector, I hope things will begin to fall in place.” (Daily Sun)

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