In a bid to accommodate the festive rush, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will introduce additional special train services on its primary standard gauge lines – Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna – scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
This announcement was made by Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of NRC, in a statement released on Saturday in Lagos, with confirmation from Mr Callistus Unyimadu, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations at NRC.
Opeifa attributed this extension to an unprecedented rise in passenger turnout during previous special services celebrating Eid el Kabir.
“The success of the special journeys on Thursday, June 5, which saw complete bookings and vibrant commuter activity, prompted this decision.
“These extra services will greatly assist festive travellers returning to their homes,” he stated.
The proposed timetable is as follows: on Monday, trains from Lagos to Ibadan will depart at 8:00 am, 1:55 pm, and 4:00 pm, while services from Ibadan to Lagos will leave at 8:00 am, 11:03 am, and 4:46 pm.
Additionally, Opeifa confirmed that the Abuja-Kaduna services will be extended to Tuesday.
“To manage the ongoing high demand on the Abuja-Kaduna route, NRC will extend its full schedule of six daily trips, originally set from Friday to Monday, to Tuesday, June 11,” he explained.
The timetable for the Abuja to Kaduna route will include departures at 7:45 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:10 pm, while trains from Kaduna to Abuja will run at 7:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.
Opeifa highlighted that this initiative underscores the corporation’s commitment to public service and its aim to provide efficient, safe, and timely rail transport.
“We are gratified by the public’s enthusiastic response to our special services.
“These additional journeys are part of our ongoing commitment to meet the increasing demand for rail travel,” he remarked.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) advises all passengers to arrive early for security checks and boarding, as train departures will strictly follow the schedule. Passengers are also encouraged to finalise their online bookings ahead of time.
