NRC special rail services for Easter, to operate Osun Special Train

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled a comprehensive Easter operational plan designed to ease travel across its major corridors, including the introduction of additional train trips on the Lagos–Ibadan route and a special free train service in partnership with the Osun State Government. The initiative, announced in Lagos on Tuesday, forms part of the […]

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled a comprehensive Easter operational plan designed to ease travel across its major corridors, including the introduction of additional train trips on the Lagos–Ibadan route and a special free train service in partnership with the Osun State Government.

The initiative, announced in Lagos on Tuesday, forms part of the Corporation’s broader strategy to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the Easter holiday while maintaining seamless operations across other key rail routes nationwide.

As part of the arrangements, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS), one of the Corporation’s busiest corridors, will operate three trips on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Departures from the Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos, are scheduled for 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains departing from the Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan, will leave at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.

The additional trips are expected to significantly improve passenger movement between Lagos and Ibadan, particularly for holiday travellers seeking a safe, reliable, and affordable alternative to road transportation, which is often associated with increased fares and heavy traffic during festive periods.

…Special Train Service for Osun citizens  

In a major highlight of the Easter operations, the NRC will also run a special train service on the narrow gauge corridor in collaboration with the Osun State Government.

The train, fully sponsored by the state government, will offer free transportation to passengers travelling between Lagos and Osogbo.

According to the Corporation, the special train will depart Iddo Station in Lagos on Friday, April 3, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. It will subsequently make a return journey from Osogbo to Iddo on Monday, April 6, by 10:00 a.m.

The initiative underscores the growing collaboration between the NRC and subnational governments aimed at enhancing mobility, promoting regional integration, and providing affordable transportation options to Nigerians during peak travel periods.

Meanwhile, the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will continue to operate its regular schedule throughout the Easter period.

The service maintains two trips on Thursdays and three daily trips on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, covering morning, mid-day, and afternoon departures between Idu and Rigasa.

Similarly, operations on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor will remain unchanged. The service runs daily except on Thursdays, which are reserved for routine maintenance to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Trains from Warri to Itakpe operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, departing at 8:00 a.m., while return services from Itakpe to Warri run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon.

On the Eastern corridor, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service will also maintain its regular schedule, with trains departing Port Harcourt for Aba at 8:00 a.m. and returning from Aba to Port Harcourt at 3:00 p.m.

The NRC emphasized that the continuity of services across these corridors reflects its commitment to operational stability and passenger convenience, even during peak travel seasons.

Speaking on the Easter arrangements, the Management of the Corporation assured passengers of its unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Travellers were advised to plan their journeys ahead, arrive early at train stations, and comply with all ticketing and security procedures to ensure a smooth travel experience.

The Corporation also used the opportunity to encourage Nigerians to continue embracing rail transport as a dependable means of travel, noting its increasing role in easing transportation challenges, reducing road congestion, and enhancing economic activities across regions.

With rising patronage and sustained improvements in service delivery, the NRC’s Easter operational plan is expected to further reinforce public confidence in rail transportation as a viable and preferred mode of travel in Nigeria.

The Corporation wished all passengers a peaceful and enjoyable Easter celebration.