In order to ensure smooth travel during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train service arrangements across its major corridors. Increased capacity and additional services will be deployed to meet the expected surge in passenger movement nationwide.
Callistus Unyimadu, the Corporation’s chief public relations officer, signed a statement announcing the news.
The Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will run three excursions on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as part of the celebration plans. Departures are planned at 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. from the Lagos end (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) and 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. from the Ibadan end (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya). The purpose of this one-day special arrangement is to handle higher passenger traffic during the celebration of Sallah. Following this, the service will resume its normal schedule.
To offer more travel options and facilitate passenger movement during the holiday season, the Corporation will run two trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and three trips on Friday, March 20, Saturday, March 21, Sunday, March 22, and Monday, March 23, 2026, on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor.
Additionally, as part of the State Government’s Sallah project, the Corporation will run the Imole Special Train in collaboration with the Osun State Government on the narrow gauge line from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo, transporting Osun State natives at no cost. The NRC provides rolling stock, technical assistance, and operational services, while the Osun State Government fully sponsors the service.
Three times a week, trains will run along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor. Services will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from Warri to Itakpe, leaving promptly at 8:00 a.m. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, trains will run from Itakpe to Warri, starting at midday. Thursdays are set aside for maintenance tasks to guarantee the corridor runs safely and effectively.
In a similar vein, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service will carry on with its usual timetable during the Sallah period on the Eastern narrow gauge track.
Passengers are reassured by the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s management of its dedication to providing safe, dependable, and effective rail transportation services throughout all corridors. It is recommended that travelers make appropriate travel plans, get to stations early, and follow all ticketing and security protocols.
The Corporation encourages the public to continue using rail transport as a reliable and safe mode of transportation and wishes all Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr.
