The attention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has been drawn to a widely circulated video on social media showing passengers of the Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service trekking long distances and even crossing a stream in search of alternative means of transportation.
This followed the breakdown of a train at Imo River last week Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at about 16:22 hrs.
In an earlier statement, the management of the corporation had regretted the inconveniences experienced by passengers on that day.
The train, which was on its way from Aba to Port Harcourt, suddenly developed an unusual fault and stopped functioning.
Despite efforts of engineers to revive the locomotive, the fault persisted. Consequently, an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was quickly deployed to rescue the stranded train, while some passengers chose to take alternative routes to their destinations, others were conveyed back safely.
According to the NRC management, the train has since been returned to Port Harcourt and is currently undergoing thorough repairs to ensure it is fit to resume service in line with enhanced quality control.
All passengers affected by this disruption have been advised to visit the train station in Port Harcourt or Aba with evidence of payment for a possible refund or replacement train ride.
While the Corporation appreciates the concerns raised by the general public and deeply value the patience and understanding shown by its passengers during this period, the NRC management says it remains committed to transforming the Corporation under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Rail revitalization programme, ensuring safer, more reliable, and customer-friendly rail services across the country.
However, normal train operations on the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor is expected to resume tomorrow Tuesday, 9th September 2025.
Writing by Victor Okiche