Excited passengers hail FG as 50% yuletide train fare cut sparks nationwide rush

Excitement swept through major railway stations across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday as thousands of passengers turned out to enjoy the Federal Government’s 50 percent yuletide train fare reduction, with many openly praising the initiative as a major relief amid rising transport costs.

From the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna standard gauge corridors to key narrow gauge routes, passengers arrived early, smiling, cheering and expressing gratitude to the government for what they described as a “timely Christmas gift.”

Several train services departed with near-full capacity as Nigerians seized the opportunity to travel cheaply to reunite with family and loved ones for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The discounted festive rail service, approved by the Federal Government and implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), runs from Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, offering passengers a 50 percent reduction on fares nationwide.

Speaking at various stations, passengers said the fare cut had significantly eased the financial burden of holiday travel, especially for families and group travellers.

Many described the initiative as people-centred and compassionate, noting that it allowed them to travel safely and comfortably at a time when road transport costs have surged.
“I never imagined I would travel this cheap during Christmas,” a passenger at the Lagos terminus said. “This is a big relief. The government has really tried, and we are grateful.”

Confirming the successful commencement of the programme, the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the turnout across major routes showed strong public acceptance of the initiative, adding that early bookings reflected overwhelming passenger interest.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers that the corporation was fully prepared to sustain safe, efficient and customer-friendly services throughout the festive period.

He said enhanced security, safety and customer service measures had been put in place across stations and onboard trains to manage the increased traffic resulting from the fare reduction.

The NRC noted that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, advising passengers on standard gauge routes to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while narrow gauge passengers can purchase tickets directly at designated railway stations.

The 50 percent yuletide train fare cut is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting inclusive mobility and encouraging rail transport as a safer and more reliable option during peak travel seasons.

As the festive rush continues, the NRC urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with travel guidelines to ensure smooth and hitch-free journeys throughout the discount period.
If you want, I can make it more emotional, more political, or more populist depending on the platform (Vanguard, Punch-style, or government-leaning tone).

Train Collides With Toyota Hiace Bus in Oshodi, No Casualties Recorded — LASEMA

A moment of panic unfolded on Tuesday night after a train collision involving a Toyota Hiace bus occurred at the Arena area of Oshodi, Lagos State.

Following distress alerts received at about 7:53 p.m., the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Cappa Base in Oshodi and deployed its response team to the scene.

According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s Lagos Response Team (LRT) arrived at the incident location around 8:11 p.m., where it was discovered that a train and a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AGL-671-XR were involved in the crash.

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Preliminary investigations by the emergency responders revealed that the accident was caused by reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Hiace bus driver, who reportedly drove outside the Arena Shopping Complex, Oshodi, before being struck by an oncoming train, leaving the bus trapped on the railway tracks.

“Fortunately, no casualties or loss of life were recorded as a result of the incident,” LASEMA confirmed. However, the collision caused significant damage to the bus due to the impact of the crash.

LASEMA further disclosed that its team conducted a risk assessment at the scene and implemented safety measures to prevent secondary incidents. As part of the operation, train services were temporarily suspended to allow for the safe evacuation of the vehicle.

“The Toyota Hiace bus has been successfully extracted from the rail tracks and towed to the LASTMA yard in Oshodi. The railway line has been cleared, and normal train operations have been fully restored,” the agency stated.

Train Collides With Toyota Hiace Bus in Oshodi, No Casualties Recorded — LASEMA

NRC Appeals for Patience as Abuja–Kaduna Train Service Faces Temporary Disruption

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has urged passengers using the Abuja–Kaduna train service to exercise patience, describing the current service disruption as temporary while repairs and security upgrades continue.

The appeal was made on Tuesday by NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, following public concerns over the reduced frequency of train services on the corridor. He acknowledged commuter frustrations and affirmed that the Abuja–Kaduna line remains a flagship service under Nigeria’s railway modernisation programme.

Dr. Opeifa attributed the reduced services to two major setbacks: the March 2022 terrorist attack on the rail line, which prompted enhanced security measures, and a recent derailment that damaged multiple Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) coaches, reducing the number of operational trains. He clarified that the service reduction was not due to neglect, but a necessary step to ensure passenger safety.

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Repairs and refurbishments are ongoing, with plans to deploy additional coaches to restore normal service frequency. “Passengers’ feedback helps strengthen our resolve to deliver safe, reliable and efficient service,” Opeifa said.

The NRC also highlighted continued support from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as the Minister of Transport works closely with the Corporation to accelerate full restoration. Alternative rolling stock is being considered to temporarily reinforce service, while safety certification and enhanced security along the corridor remain top priorities.

The NRC assured commuters that the challenges are part of a phase of recovery and rebuilding, promising progressive improvements and a return to multiple daily trips. Passengers can communicate directly with the Managing Director via SMS at 08075005411 for feedback.

NRC Appeals for Patience as Abuja–Kaduna Train Service Faces Temporary Disruption