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Bill To Amend Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Passes 2nd Reading
The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill to amend the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Act.
This followed the presentation of the general principles of the Bill by the sponsor, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) at plenary, in Abuja yesterday.
Adeola in his lead debate said the bill was read for the first time on July 20, 2023.
He said the sought amendment NRC bill intended to include in the act insurance fee, thereby providing adequate insurance cover for passengers and goods against any damage that may occur while patronising the railway corporation.
He said in recent time, there has been resurgence in railway transportation in Nigeria due to the modernisation of the rail transport system in the country.
Adeola said from Abuja to Kaduna, Lagos to Ibadan and more recently Port-Harcourt to Aba, passengers board trains as alternative to other modes of transportation.
He said goods are also now being transported in bulk using trains.
The lawmaker, however, said a critical gap existed in the current rail system as a result of comprehensive insurance coverage for passengers and goods using the services of NRC.
“On March 28, 2022, dare devil bandits attack a train from Abuja to Kaduna at Katari in Kaduna State.
“The train derailed and damaged beyond heavily affecting the rail tracks, coaches and some passengers kidnapped exposed to trauma including about eight persons that lost their lives,” he said.
According to him, there was no insurance coverage of any kind for the passengers as the NRC act does not provide for such.
“It is worthy of note that most sectors of the transportation systems offer some form of insurance protection.
“On Nigerian roads, most commercial vehicles, like buses and taxis, are required by law to carry passenger liability insurance.
“This insurance offers financial compensation to passengers in case of accidents, injuries, or even death,” he argued.
Adeola said a glaring gap existed as there was a lack of mandatory insurance for train passengers on the NRC services.
He said a robust insurance scheme would enable the NRC to prioritise safety measures.
“Knowing passengers and cargo are insured could lead to improved service delivery.
“This, in turn, will boost confidence in the railway system, potentially attracting more passengers and cargo volume for the NRC,” Adeola said.
He urged lawmakers to support the second reading of the bill.
Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) who presided over the plenary commended the sponsor of the bill.
He expressed hope that the President Bola Tinubu would assent to the bill in line with international best practices on rail transportation when finally passed.
Barau consequently referred the bill to the Committee on Land Transport for further legislative inputs and to report back to plenary in four weeks.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene