Planning to travel? NRC announces extra train services for Sallah

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an increase in train services across major corridors nationwide to ease travel during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on Wednesday.

According to the NRC, additional trips and increased capacity have been introduced to accommodate the expected surge in passenger movement during the festive period.

On the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, three trips have been scheduled for Thursday. Departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute Metta will take place at 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains from Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.

The corporation noted that the special arrangement is for one day and services will return to the regular timetable afterward.

For the Abuja–Kaduna route, two trips will operate on Thursday, while three trips have been scheduled daily between March 20 and March 23 to provide more travel options for passengers.

The NRC also disclosed plans to run the Imole Special Train from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo in partnership with the Osun State Government. The service will offer free transportation to indigenes of Osun State as part of the government’s Sallah initiative.

On the Warri–Itakpe route, train services will operate three times weekly, with departures from Warri on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., and return trips from Itakpe on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Thursdays have been set aside for maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt–Aba train service will continue to run its normal schedule throughout the festive period.

The NRC reassured passengers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services across all routes, urging travelers to plan ahead, arrive early at stations, and comply with ticketing and security procedures.

The corporation also extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslim faithful, wishing them a peaceful and joyous celebration while encouraging continued patronage of rail transport.