In anticipation of the significant passenger surge during the Sallah festivities, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has implemented a strategic expansion of its services. The corporation has officially introduced additional train trips on its pivotal Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna corridors to ensure efficient and comfortable travel for the public.
The announcement was formally made in a statement issued by the NRC’s management and signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu. This initiative is a core component of the corporation’s broader seasonal strategy to augment capacity and deploy special services across its network, directly responding to the heightened nationwide demand for festive travel.
Specifically, the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three special trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from both terminals. Departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute Metta are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Correspondingly, services from Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. The NRC confirmed that normal scheduling will resume following the festive period.
Beyond these key routes, the Corporation has also activated special arrangements on other corridors to comprehensively support the holiday travel rush. The NRC reiterated its unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations, advising passengers to plan their journeys meticulously, arrive at stations ahead of time, and adhere to all stipulated ticketing and security protocols.
This practice of scaling services during peak periods is a established operational model for the NRC, reflecting its adaptive approach to passenger logistics. The move underscores the strategic importance of the rail sector’s growth, a fact highlighted by recent performance metrics. In 2025 alone, NRC-managed rail systems facilitated the travel of 3,888,661 passengers, generating N7.77 billion in revenue. This context mirrors the significance of targeted service expansions, much like other strategic national investments, whether in infrastructure or security, such as when the EFCC secures forfeiture of assets or the FG budgets N6.04 trillion for critical sectors. The development of the nation’s transport network remains a priority, paralleling advancements in other areas like the mining sector, where entities like Kian Smith Refinery Co Ltd work alongside government to develop resources.
