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

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).