The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced special train services across its major corridors to ensure smooth travel during the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, amid an expected surge in passenger traffic nationwide .
The announcement was contained in a statement issued Wednesday evening and signed by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu .
According to Unyimadu, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service will operate three trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026. From the Lagos end at Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, departures are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains from Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan, will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m .
He explained that the one-day arrangement is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Sallah celebration, after which the service will revert to its regular schedule .
On the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, the NRC will operate two trips on Thursday, March 19, and three trips daily from Friday, March 20, through Monday, March 23, 2026, to provide additional travel options during the festive period .
The Corporation also disclosed that, in partnership with the Osun State Government, it will operate the Imole Special Train on the narrow gauge line from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo. The service, which will convey indigenes of Osun State free of charge, is fully sponsored by the state government, with the NRC providing rolling stock, technical and operational support .
On the Warri–Itakpe corridor, train services will run three times weekly. Departures from Warri to Itakpe will take place on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., while trains from Itakpe to Warri will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Thursdays have been set aside for maintenance .
Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor will maintain its regular schedule throughout the Sallah period .
The NRC management reassured passengers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services across all routes. It urged travellers to plan ahead, arrive early at stations, and comply with ticketing and security procedures .
The Corporation also extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslim faithful, encouraging continued patronage of rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel .
