NRC Rolls Out Special Sallah Train Services on Major Rail Corridors

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC has announced special train services across key rail corridors to ease passenger movement during the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The Corporation said the initiative is aimed at accommodating the expected surge in travel demand, with increased capacity and additional trips scheduled on major routes nationwide.

On the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service will operate three trips on March 19, departing from Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute Metta at 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while return services from Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, will run at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. The NRC noted that this arrangement is for one day, after which normal schedules will resume.

For the Abuja–Kaduna route, the Corporation will run two trips on March 19 and increase operations to three daily trips from March 20 to March 23 to provide more travel options during the festive period.

The NRC also announced a special partnership with the Osun State Government to operate the Imole Special Train on the narrow gauge line from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo. The service, which will convey indigenes free of charge, is fully sponsored by the state government as part of its Sallah initiative.

On the Warri–Itakpe corridor, train services will continue to run three times weekly, departing Warri on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and returning from Itakpe on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while Thursdays remain dedicated to maintenance.

Similarly, the Port Harcourt–Aba service on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor will maintain its regular operations throughout the Sallah period.

The NRC reassured passengers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services, urging travellers 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, encouraging Nigerians to continue to patronise rail transport as a dependable means of travel.