The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled an extensive schedule of special train services across key rail corridors in the country as part of efforts to facilitate smooth and convenient travel during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
In a statement issued by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC, said it has increased capacity and introduced additional trips across major routes to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic nationwide.
For the busy Lagos–Ibadan corridor, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three special trips on today Thursday, March 19, 2026. Departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta in Lagos are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains departing from Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya in Ibadan will run at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
The Corporation noted that this arrangement is strictly for the Sallah period, after which normal operations will resume.
On the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will run two trips on today Thursday, March 19, while three daily trips have been scheduled from Friday, March 20 through Monday, March 23, 2026, to cater for increased passenger demand and ease movement during the festivities.
In a notable collaboration with the Osun State Government, the NRC will also operate the Imole Special Train service on the narrow gauge line from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo.
The service, fully sponsored by the state government, will convey indigenes of Osun State free of charge as part of its Sallah initiative, with the NRC providing operational and technical support.
Meanwhile, the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will maintain a three-times-weekly schedule.
Trains from Warri to Itakpe will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., while return services from Itakpe to Warri will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon.
Thursdays have been set aside for routine maintenance to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
On the Eastern narrow gauge corridor, the Port Harcourt–Aba route will continue to run its regular timetable throughout the Sallah period, providing uninterrupted services for passengers in the region.
The NRC management reassured passengers of its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport services across all routes.
Travellers have been advised to plan their journeys ahead, arrive early at train stations, and adhere strictly to ticketing and security procedures.
The Corporation also extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across the country, wishing them a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration, while encouraging Nigerians to continue to embrace rail transport as a dependable and secure means of travel.
Reporting By Victor Okiche