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.
The session, chaired by Rep. Blessing Onyeche Onuh (APC, Benue), was convened after the August 26 derailment of a Kaduna-bound train at Asham Station, which left several passengers injured and services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor suspended.
Lawmakers expressed outrage over the Minister’s failure to attend, describing his decision to verbally delegate representation as a breach of the House’s Standing Orders. They also condemned the absence of the Managing Director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a key contractor in the railway sector.
The Committee adjourned for 48 hours and resolved to issue a formal summons for both the Minister and the CCECC chief to appear in person. It reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry into railway safety, operational gaps, and contractual obligations.
The House assured Nigerians that accountability and transparency in the transport sector remain top priorities under its Legislative Agenda on Social Sector Reform and Development.
