Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a strategic move to ease passenger movement ahead of the Eid‑el‑Fitr festivities, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has rolled out expanded and bespoke train services across key national routes to accommodate the anticipated surge in travellers during the holiday period. The announcement, made in a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, underscores the corporation’s efforts to enhance capacity, improve convenience, and support safe travel for citizens returning home to celebrate with family and loved ones.
According to the statement, NRC has deployed additional trips and increased seating capacity on major corridors, particularly on routes traditionally characterised by high demand during festive periods. On the busy Lagos–Ibadan corridor, three special Eid trains are scheduled to operate on Thursday, March 19. These services will depart from both Ebute Metta and Moniya stations, providing commuters with more options for outbound travel before regular operations resume after the special runs.
On the central Northern corridor linking Nigeria’s capital city to its historic neighbour, two special services will run on the Abuja–Kaduna line on Thursday, with an expanded schedule of three daily trips from Friday through Monday. These additions aim to offer more flexibility for travellers as they plan their journeys for the celebrations, while also reducing congestion and wait times at stations.
In a notable collaborative effort, the NRC announced a special partnership with the Osun State Government to operate the Imole Train Service from Lagos to Osogbo, the Osun State capital. This initiative is designed to honour and support Osun indigenes during the Sallah period by providing free train transportation as part of the state’s festive celebrations. The program reflects growing cooperation between the railway corporation and sub‑national governments to leverage rail infrastructure for enhanced passenger mobility.
Along other established routes, the NRC confirmed that the Warri–Itakpe corridor would continue with its three‑times‑weekly schedule, with Thursdays reserved for routine maintenance to ensure service reliability and equipment safety. Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt–Aba passenger service will operate as usual throughout the Eid period, catering to travellers along the Eastern network without interruption.
The corporation emphasised its commitment to operational safety and efficiency in all special and regular services, assuring passengers of rigorous adherence to security protocols and service quality standards. In its advisory, NRC urged commuters to plan their travels in advance, arrive early at stations to avoid rush‑hour delays, and comply with all ticketing and passenger screening procedures, which are critical for smooth boarding and departure.
Unyimadu also took the opportunity to extend warm Eid‑el‑Fitr greetings to Muslims across the country, reflecting the corporation’s recognition of the cultural significance of the celebration. He expressed hope that the special arrangements would ease the travel burden for families making long journeys to reunite during one of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar.
Transport sector analysts have welcomed the NRC’s announcement, noting that the expanded services come at a crucial time when millions of Nigerians are expected to embark on inter‑city trips for the festive period. The improvements are viewed as a positive step toward enhancing the reliability of rail transport as a viable alternative to road travel, which often faces challenges such as congestion and safety risks during high‑traffic periods.
Observers say the NRC’s approach also signals a broader commitment by national infrastructure agencies to modernise and revitalise railway services across Nigeria. By increasing capacity on key inter-city routes and partnering with state governments on targeted programmes like the Imole Train Service, the corporation is positioning rail travel as a more accessible and passenger‑friendly option for millions of Nigerians.
As the Eid‑el‑Fitr travel rush intensifies, the NRC’s expanded timetable and additional services are expected to relieve pressure on transportation networks, enhance traveller comfort, and reduce the risk of travel‑related stress often experienced during peak holiday seasons. While passengers adjust travel plans in response to these new offerings, transport authorities will remain focused on safety, punctuality, and efficient passenger flow as central priorities.
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