Passengers laud NRC over expanded Abuja–Kaduna train schedule
Passengers on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor have commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for increasing the number of trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), describing the move as a practical response to rising demand for rail transport between the two cities. The corporation recently announced that the additional services will take effect from Friday, March […]
Passengers on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor have commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for increasing the number of trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), describing the move as a practical response to rising demand for rail transport between the two cities.
The corporation recently announced that the additional services will take effect from Friday, March 6, 2026, as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, provide greater travel flexibility and ease congestion on one of the country’s busiest rail routes.
At the Idu Railway Station and the Rigasa Railway Station, commuters who spoke with Daily Trust said the expanded timetable would significantly reduce the recurring challenge of ticket shortages, particularly during weekends and peak travel periods.
A regular commuter at Idu Mal. Muhammadu Lawal, said securing tickets had often been difficult due to the high volume of passengers relying on the train for safe and predictable movement between Abuja and Kaduna.
“The demand has always been high because many people consider the train safer and more convenient than road travel. With more trips now available, it should be easier for passengers to plan their journeys without the usual anxiety over ticket availability,” he said.
A businesswoman Mrs Folake Olarewaju who frequently shuttles between the two cities for commercial activities described the development as a welcome improvement.
“This is a positive step. Many small and medium-scale businesses depend on this route. Increasing the number of trips will not only reduce pressure on existing services but also support economic activities between both cities,” she noted.
Similarly, a trader Uwaisu AbdulRazak at Rigasa Station commended the corporation for responding to public concerns, adding that the rail service remains a critical transport link for workers, students and business operators.
“The train is still one of the most dependable means of transportation on this corridor. Expanding the schedule will make movement easier and encourage more people to use the service,” he said.
Passengers also acknowledged the corporation’s efforts to stabilise operations after previous disruptions, including the March 28, 2022 terrorist attack on the line and the August 26, 2025 derailment, both of which affected rolling stock availability and led to temporary adjustments in service frequency.
It was observed that with operations now largely stabilised and earlier speed restrictions gradually being relaxed, commuters expressed optimism that the revised timetable would further enhance reliability and restore full public confidence in the service.
Under the new schedule, three trips will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, while two trips will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All services will maintain scheduled stops at Kubwa Station.
The NRC said the expansion forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening capacity, safety standards, and overall passenger experience across the national rail network.
Experts to x-ray logistics value chain at TCAN Transport Summit
The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has commenced preparations for its 2026 Annual Transport Summit, with industry experts set to critically examine Nigeria’s logistics value chain as part of efforts to unlock economic growth.
The summit, scheduled to hold in September in Lagos, carries the theme: “Unlocking Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics.” It is expected to convene key players across the aviation, maritime, rail, road transport and logistics services spectrum, alongside policymakers, regulators, financial institutions and development partners.
In a statement, TCAN said the conference would provide a strategic platform to assess how efficient transportation logistics can drive sustainable economic development, enhance trade facilitation, create jobs and strengthen regional integration.
Chairman of TCAN, Tola Adenubi, noted that transportation logistics remains the backbone of economic advancement, stressing that inefficiencies within the system directly impact Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“From cargo handling at airports and seaports to inland freight movement and last-mile delivery systems, the efficiency of Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem plays a decisive role in determining the competitiveness of the nation’s economy,” Adenubi said.
He added that the summit would explore innovative solutions, digital transformation strategies, infrastructure financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and regulatory reforms required to optimise the sector.
Chairman of the 2026 Conference Committee, Suleiman Idris, explained that participants would engage in high-level panel discussions, keynote presentations and interactive sessions aimed at assessing the current state of Nigeria’s transportation logistics architecture and identifying bottlenecks hindering seamless cargo and passenger movement.
According to him, stakeholders will also examine the impact of multimodal transport integration on economic expansion, while highlighting investment opportunities within the logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
He further disclosed that experts at the summit are expected to provide policy recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Rotary Club of Ota hosts Nigeria’s first fellowship on moving train
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recently played host to the Rotary Club of Ota as the club made history by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussions centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
Key officers present at the historic gathering included Vice President Bisi Seleso, Pioneer President Olumide Adebiyi, Treasurer Olumide Omotola, President-Elect Fatai Wasi, and the club’s doyen and oldest serving member, Dr. Kele Abolaji, among other distinguished Rotarians.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
The NRC in a statement by Callistus Unyimadu, the Chief Public Relations Officer said the presence of the RDM underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
Beyond its historic setting, the event reinforced Rotary’s enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
As part of this commitment, the club commenced a large-scale tree-planting exercise today, 28 February 2026, aimed at contributing meaningfully to climate change mitigation and environmental protection within the host communities.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. With this landmark initiative and the launch of its environmental intervention, the Rotary Club of Ota has firmly positioned itself as a trailblazer, redefining how fellowship, service, and impact can be creatively achieved in Nigeria.
The statement said the Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.