By Abdulsamad Abdulmalik
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train services across its major corridors to ease movement during the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations.
The development follows an anticipated surge in passenger traffic nationwide.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
According to him, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos, are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains from Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan, will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Unyimadu explained that the special arrangement is for one day to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the festive period, after which the service will revert to its regular schedule.
On the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, he disclosed that the NRC will run two trips on Thursday, March 19, and increase operations to three daily trips from Friday, March 20, through Monday, March 23, 2026.
The Corporation also revealed that, in collaboration with the Osun State Government, it will operate the Imole Special Train on the narrow gauge line from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo.
The service, which will convey indigenes of Osun State free of charge, is fully sponsored by the state government, while the NRC will provide rolling stock, as well as technical and operational support.
On the Warri–Itakpe corridor, train services will run three times weekly. Departures from Warri to Itakpe will take place on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., while trains from Itakpe to Warri will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Thursdays have been set aside for maintenance.
Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor will maintain its regular schedule throughout the Sallah period.
The NRC management reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient services across all routes.
It, however, urged 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 and encouraged continued patronage of rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel.
