Railway

PDP attacks Sagay for criticising Lagos new rail project

Published

5 years ago

April 17, 2021

The Peoples Democratic Party, Lagos State chapter says the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), lacks moral justification to dictate to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on which project to embark on for Lagosians.

Sagay had said it made no sense for the governor to embark on the Red Line rail project when the Blue Line started almost 10 years ago had not been completed.

But the PDP, which spoke through its Publicity Secretary Taofik Gani, said Sagay should concentrate on his job as PACAC chairman and leave the governor to decide what is best for his people.

The party accused Sagay, which it claimed had a cordial relationship with Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, of failing to speak out throughout Fashola’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, to account for money spent on the project.

It stated, “Without holding fort for Governor Sanwo-Olu, the truth of the matter is that Prof. Itse Sagay lacks the moral justification to come up at his own will and criticise the government. This is the same person who is supposed to be in charge of a thorough anti-corruption drive but he has clearly abandoned that. He only criticises the government when it is obviously against his interest.

“We know that the Blue Line from the beginning was a complete fraud. It was project that was started with less than N6 billion and now it is over N46 billion. During Fashola’s era, the governor couldn’t account for the funds spent on that project, yet Prof. Sagay kept mute because of his close relationship with Fashola.

“There is no reason why he will now come and condemn the actual needs of Lagosians within the metropolis. We are talking of Oyingbo, Alagbado and other places. Look at the number of people who transit in that particular area.

“We condemn the attempt by Prof. Sagay to want to be the spokesman for Lagosians on what projects to they want or do not want. We condemn his hypocritical stand on this issue. He should come out and condemn President Buhari and others who have put us in this mess.

“We say it loud and clearly that Prof. Sagay is a beneficiary of the APC and government and he can’t be criticising a project that will benefit Lagosians. Why will he say Fashola’s projects must be completed? How many projects did Fashola himself complete and why couldn’t he account for those funds when his successor demanded for it? In a saner clime, Fashola ought to be with EFCC now, not as a minister of the Federal Republic.

“We however demand that Governor Sanwo-Olu must return to make a fair presentation to interested parties. Every kobo must be supervised and accounted for. The monitoring team can have CSO. Why should any government even be scared of ‘ombudsman’ on projects executed with tax and loans?”

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Railway

Eid-el-Fitr: NRC to Operate Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips on March 23

Published

1 week ago

March 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Eid-el-Fitr: NRC to Operate Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips on March 23

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the operation of three scheduled train trips on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor on Monday, March 23, in response to increased passenger demand during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.

The announcement was made in a statement by NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu, who explained that the additional services are intended to ease passenger movement, reduce congestion, and provide more travel options for commuters returning after the festive celebrations. He noted that the Lagos–Ibadan rail route, connecting Lagos and Ibadan, remains one of the busiest rail corridors in the country, particularly during public holidays when road traffic is usually heavy.

According to the NRC, departures from Lagos will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station at 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. From Ibadan, trains will depart from the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. The corporation said the schedule was designed to improve travel flexibility, enhance rail transport convenience, and accommodate the surge in passenger turnout typically recorded during festive periods.

Eid-el-Fitr: NRC to Operate Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips on March 23

Railway

NRC announces free train rides, extra trips for Eid Fitr

Published

1 week ago

March 19, 2026

Trends Admin

NRC announces free train rides, extra trips for Sallah special

Getting home for the holidays just got a whole lot easier as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has rolled out its special Sallah train schedule, deploying extra trips and increasing capacity to ensure Nigerians can celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with their loved ones without the usual travel stress.

From the bustling Lagos-Ibadan corridor to the scenic Warri-Itakpe route, the NRC is stepping up its game to handle the festive surge.

Its key highlights of the Sallah schedule as contained in its latest statement are as follows:

* Lagos–Ibadan (LITS): On Thursday, March 19, the service will run three special trips.

* From Lagos: 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

* From Ibadan: 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.

* Abuja–Kaduna (AKTS): To keep the capital connected, the NRC is boosting frequency. After two trips on Thursday, the corridor will move to three trips daily from Friday, March 20, through Monday, March 23.

* Warri–Itakpe (WITS): This route maintains its thrice-weekly flow.

* Warri to Itakpe: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (8:00 a.m.).

* Itakpe to Warri: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays (12:00 p.m.).

* Eastern Narrow Gauge: The Port Harcourt–Aba service remains fully operational on its regular schedule, ensuring the South-East stays moving.

These details are contained in a statement signed by the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.

Osun free rides

In a heart-warming partnership, the NRC and the Osun State Government are bringing back the Imole Special Train.

Indigenes of Osun State can travel from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo free of charge. This initiative, fully sponsored by the state, aims to ease the financial burden on families during the festive season.

“This special arrangement is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic… ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport service,” stated Callistus Unyimadu, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer.

Tips for travellers

To ensure your trip is as smooth as the tracks, the NRC recommends:

* Arrive Early: Be at the station well ahead of your departure time.

* Verify Tickets: Ensure you follow all official ticketing and security protocols.

* Check the Date: Remember that the Lagos-Ibadan special three-trip schedule is for March 19 only before reverting to normal service.

Railway

BREAKING: Several Passengers Injured as Abuja–Kaduna Train Derails After Collision

Published

2 weeks ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

File photo

BREAKING: Several Passengers Injured as Abuja–Kaduna Train Derails After Collisio

Several passengers were injured on Monday after a train travelling along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed following a collision, authorities have confirmed.

The incident reportedly occurred near Asham along the busy rail line linking Abuja with Kaduna State, causing panic among passengers onboard the train.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development, stating that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene following the derailment.

According to preliminary reports, the train derailed after colliding with another object on the track, though officials have yet to disclose full details about the circumstances surrounding the accident.