The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is set to offer supplementary train services along its key standard gauge routes – Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna – on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of NRC, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, which was endorsed by Mr Callistus Unyimadu, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations at NRC.
Opeifa explained that the decision was prompted by an extraordinary increase in passenger numbers during previous special services in honour of Eid el Kabir.
“This follows the successful special trips on Thursday, June 5, which were fully booked and experienced significant commuter traffic.
“The additional journeys will facilitate the return travel of festive passengers heading back to their destinations,” he noted.
The planned schedule includes: on Monday, trains from Lagos to Ibadan at 8:00 am, 1:55 pm, and 4:00 pm, and from Ibadan to Lagos at 8:00 am, 11:03 am, and 4:46 pm.
Opeifa also announced the extension of Abuja-Kaduna train services to Tuesday.
“To accommodate the sustained high demand on the Abuja-Kaduna route, NRC will maintain its full schedule of six daily trips originally planned from Friday to Monday, extending it to Tuesday, June 11,” he stated.
The timetable for Abuja to Kaduna services will be 7:45 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:10 pm, while trains from Kaduna to Abuja will depart at 7:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.
Opeifa emphasised that this initiative reflects the corporation’s commitment to addressing public needs and ensuring efficient, safe, and timely rail services.
“We are pleased with the public’s response to our special services.
“These extra trips are part of our dedication to fulfilling the rising demand for rail transport,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) advises all passengers to arrive early for security checks and boarding, as train departures will adhere strictly to schedule. Passengers are also encouraged to complete their online bookings in advance.