NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project - Newstrends
Connect with us

Railway

NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project

Published

on

Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa

NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project

The Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has said the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government (FG).

While assuring that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, the MD commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his transformational initiatives, saying the governor’s investment in infrastructure was already rubbing off on the people’s standard of living.

Opeifa, who stated these when he led a delegation of senior Management team of the NRC on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, explained that he was in the state to reaffirm Management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest.

He pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail line on the Eastern Corridor since there were increasing demands for it by the people, who were mostly into business and trading.

“The whole essence of this visit is to deepen our relationship and collaboration with the state government under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. I also want you to know that the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Enugu City shared a common history,” he added.

He further said that Enugu under Mbah was doing what the corporation was watching out for in terms of the enabling infrastructure such as the transport terminals that the Corporation was poised to take advantage of.

READ ALSO:

“Enugu State is doing what the Nigerian Railway is looking forth to. The building of road transport terminals by the administration is what we are trying to take advantage of in our railway corridors. I came to discuss about it. The discussion has been on. So I only came to affirm it.

“I have eyes, I can see. I have ears, I can hear. So, when I entered this city, I see myself the difference this administration is making. I can hear from those who live here for longer.

“Seriously speaking, this is a different kind of government. He is a business man. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t see obstacles or challenges. He just faces what he wants to do and that is why you can see him achieving all these.

“Meanwhile, he told me that what we call much is actually that little, saying that many, many more will come and I believe him,” Opeifa noted.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu had already issued a directive to the corporation to fashion out mutual relationship with the state and work out initiatives that would engender a seamless transportation for economic prosperity.

While enjoining the state to take advantage of the Eastern Line, once completed, the MD further appealed to the governor to strengthen security around their assets, which had come under vandalism by notorious scraps dealers.

Governor Mbah, on his part, said that Enugu had an inextricable history with the NRC dating back to the discovery of coal and the subsequent shipping of the coal to Port Harcourt in 1918, using the rail transport.

He expressed delight over the efforts of the Management to revitalise the NRC and restore it to its glorious days, recalling that the revitalisation of the Eastern Railway Corridor was one of the demands made by South East leaders and also approved by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Enugu earlier in the year.

He further explained that efforts were also in top gear by the state and other states in the region to create a common market, which required the provision of certain enablers such as seamless rail system to fast-track trades, revealing also the administration’s plan for an intra-rail system that would also link the major lines by the NRC.

He pledged to support the NRC’s clinic to function optimally and also protect the Corporation’s facilities against acts of vandalisation and encroachment.

 

NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project

Railway

Easter train: NRC increases Lagos-Ibadan trips, offers free Osun holiday transit

Published

on

Easter train: NRC increases Lagos-Ibadan trips, offers free Osun holiday transit

With the 2026 Easter celebrations just around the length of a rail track away, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has moved to prevent holiday travel gridlock by significantly boosting its service capacity.

In a move to accommodate the seasonal influx of travellers, the corporation announced a strategic mix of increased trip frequencies and a unique government-backed free transit programme.

The centrepiece of this holiday rollout is the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS). Anticipating a massive exodus from the coastal hub on Thursday, April 2, the NRC has added a third daily trip to its schedule. Commuters departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute Metta can now choose between 7:45am, 1:40pm, and 4pm slots.

Those returning from the Obafemi Awolowo Station in Ibadan have similar flexibility, with departures staggered at 8:00 a.m., 10:50am, and 4:30pm.

Adding a layer of relief for budget-conscious travellers, the NRC is collaborating with the Osun State Government to provide a fully funded narrow gauge service. This initiative allows passengers to travel from Lagos to Osogbo at no cost.

According to the corporation, the “free train” is scheduled to leave Iddo Station on Friday, April 3, at 10am, with the return leg bringing holidaymakers back to Lagos on Monday, April 6, at the same hour.

It also noted that while the South-West corridors see these specific boosts, the rest of the national network remains steady, the Northern Corridor (Abuja–Kaduna service) will maintain its robust schedule, offering up to three daily trips over the weekend to keep the Idu and Rigasa link fluid.
The Delta-Kogi Link (Warri–Itakpe line) continues its daily operations, though it will pause this Thursday for its standard safety maintenance window.
Also, the Eastern Line (The Port Harcourt–Aba service) remains on its morning-departure and afternoon-return cycle.

NRC management stressed that while capacity has increased, security and ticketing protocols remain a top priority. They are urging the public to arrive at stations early and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the holiday remains peaceful.

As the corporation looks toward a busy weekend, they continue to pitch rail travel as the safest and most dependable alternative for Nigerians traversing the country this Easter.

Continue Reading

Railway

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

Published

on

Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC)

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.

READ ALSO:

Unyimadu reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient rail services, noting that operational adjustments are often made during peak travel seasons to meet growing demand. He advised passengers to arrive early at train stations, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays or inconvenience.

The NRC also appreciated passengers for their continued patronage and cooperation, describing it as essential to maintaining smooth operations across its services. The introduction of additional train trips is part of broader efforts to support intercity mobility during high-demand periods such as Eid-el-Fitr, when large numbers of Nigerians travel between major cities.

Rail services along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor have increasingly become a preferred alternative to road transport due to their relative speed, safety, and reduced exposure to highway congestion. Transport authorities continue to encourage the use of rail infrastructure as part of efforts to improve public transportation efficiency and ease pressure on Nigeria’s road networks during festive seasons.

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

Continue Reading

Railway

NRC announces free train rides, extra trips for Eid Fitr 

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending