The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has rolled out special train services across key routes to ease travel during the Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, as passenger movement is expected to rise nationwide.
This was disclosed in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, who said the additional services are aimed at accommodating increased demand during the festive period.
On the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, additional trips will run on Thursday, March 19, with departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. From Ibadan’s Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, trains will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. The NRC said the arrangement is temporary and services will return to their regular schedule after the holiday.
For the Abuja–Kaduna route, two trips are scheduled for March 19, while three daily services will operate from March 20 to March 23 to accommodate increased demand during the festive period.
On the Warri–Itakpe line, the Corporation will maintain its existing three-times-weekly schedule. Trains will depart Warri on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., while return trips from Itakpe will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Thursdays remain reserved for maintenance.
In addition, the NRC, in partnership with the Osun State Government, will operate a special “Imole Train” service from Lagos to Osogbo on the narrow gauge line, offering free transportation to Osun indigenes as part of the state’s Sallah initiative.
Meanwhile, services on the Port Harcourt–Aba route will continue as scheduled throughout the holiday period.
The Corporation said the special arrangements are aimed at ensuring smoother and safer travel during the celebrations. Passengers have been advised to plan ahead, arrive early at stations, and comply with ticketing and security procedures.
The NRC also extended Sallah greetings to Muslim faithful, encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of rail transport as a reliable and safe means of travel during the festive season.