NRC to resume Warri–Itakpe train Wednesday, ticket sales open Monday

NRC to resume Warri–Itakpe train Wednesday, ticket sales open Monday

After weeks of suspension for maintenance and safety checks, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will resume operations on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The service was temporarily halted to allow for what the Corporation described as critical repairs and system checks on the track and rolling stock.
The move, NRC said, was necessary to ensure the comfort, reliability, and safety of passengers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed that online ticket booking for the resumed service would open at 12 noon on Monday, October 27, 2025, via https://nrc-fane.ng.
Accordiing to him, passengers can also obtain tickets at designated train stations.

Details of the statement indicate that operations will restart with seven coaches — six in standard class and one in business class.
The new timetable, which will feature temporary speed restrictions (TSR) for safety monitoring, is also expected to be released on Monday.

The NRC apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension and thanked them for their patience and understanding.

It quoted the Corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, as assuring travellers of improved service delivery, reaffirming NRC’s commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport across the country.

The Warri–Itakpe line, a key standard gauge route linking the South-South and North-Central regions, remains one of Nigeria’s most vital intercity rail corridors for both passenger and freight movement.