Nigerian Railway Corporation Announces Major Easter Service Expansion
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled a significant expansion of train services across the country to facilitate passenger movement during the upcoming Easter holiday period. This strategic initiative aims to accommodate the anticipated surge in travel demand, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation for Nigerians celebrating the festive season.
Enhanced Lagos-Ibadan Corridor Operations
In a formal statement released by Chief Public Relations Officer Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC confirmed that additional trips have been scheduled on major routes. The Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to manage increased passenger traffic effectively.
Departure schedules from Mobolaji Johnson Station in Lagos are as follows:
- 7:45 a.m.
- 1:40 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
From Obafemi Awolowo Station in Ibadan, trains will depart at:
- 8:00 a.m.
- 10:50 a.m.
- 4:30 p.m.
Special Free Service on Lagos-Osogbo Route
A notable highlight of the Easter arrangements is the introduction of a complimentary train service on the narrow-gauge corridor between Lagos and Osogbo. This initiative is generously sponsored by the Osun State Government, demonstrating collaborative efforts to enhance public transportation during holidays.
The free service will depart from Iddo Station at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, with a return trip from Osogbo scheduled for Monday, April 6, at the same time. This offering provides a cost-effective travel option for passengers moving between these key locations.
Maintained Schedules on Other Major Routes
While expanding services on certain corridors, the NRC has confirmed that other routes will maintain their regular operational timetables during the Easter period:
Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS): Will continue with two trips on Thursdays and three daily trips from Friday to Monday between Idu and Rigasa stations.
Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS): Will operate daily except Thursdays, which are reserved for maintenance. Departures from Warri to Itakpe occur on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., with return trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon.
Port Harcourt-Aba Service: Will retain its standard schedule, with trains departing Port Harcourt at 8:00 a.m. and Aba at 3:00 p.m.
Safety Assurance and Passenger Guidelines
The NRC has provided strong assurances regarding the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its services throughout the holiday season. The corporation emphasizes the importance of passenger cooperation with established protocols.
Travellers are advised to plan their journeys meticulously, arrive at stations well in advance of departure times, and strictly adhere to all ticketing and security procedures. These measures are designed to ensure smooth operations and passenger safety across the railway network.
The corporation extended Easter greetings to all passengers while encouraging continued utilization of rail transport as a dependable travel alternative. This expansion follows similar initiatives during previous holidays, including enhanced services during the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Fitr, where additional trips and increased capacity were implemented on major corridors.
The current arrangements align with the federal government's declaration of a two-day public holiday for Easter celebrations, reflecting coordinated efforts between government agencies to facilitate nationwide mobility during significant cultural and religious observances.
