NRC Adds Extra Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe Train Trips Ahead of Eid-al-Kabir

By Achimi muktar

With the Sallah break around the corner, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is stepping up to make travel smoother and more convenient for Nigerians gearing up for the Eid-al-Kabir celebration.

In anticipation of the holiday rush, the NRC has announced extra train trips on the Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Itakpe routes, effective Thursday, June 5, 2025 — a move designed to accommodate the surge in passengers ahead of the long weekend.

According to a statement signed by Callistus Unyimadu, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will now feature:

🚉 Lagos to Ibadan:

8:00 AM

1:55 PM (New additional trip)

4:00 PM

🚉 Ibadan to Lagos:

8:00 AM

11:03 AM (New additional trip)

4:46 PM (Note: This trip was originally scheduled for 4:00 PM)

But that’s not all — in a festive twist, the NRC will also operate a Special Train Service on the Warri-Itakpe line, which usually shuts down on Thursdays for maintenance. This one-time service, running on Thursday, June 5, aims to ensure smooth travel for Muslim faithful and other commuters hitting the road before the break officially begins.

Thursday, June 5, has become the unofficial launchpad for the Eid rush, as the Federal Government declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. That makes Thursday the final working day before the festivities begin — and a critical day for travel.

To keep things moving, the NRC has rescheduled its routine maintenance on the Warri-Itakpe corridor from Thursday to Sunday, June 8, prioritizing passenger needs over technical routines.

Meanwhile, Abuja-Kaduna train operations will continue uninterrupted, but with extra coaches deployed to handle the expected passenger overflow.

Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, extended warm Eid greetings to all travelers and reiterated the Corporation’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

“We are proud to support Nigerians in celebrating this important holiday with reliable transport options. Our mission is to make sure every traveler reaches their destination safely and on time,” he said.

With extra trips, rescheduled maintenance, and additional coaches, the NRC is working hard to ensure a stress-free Eid journey for thousands of travelers. So, if you’re planning to beat the Sallah traffic — now you’ve got one more reason to hop on a train.