As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Sallah celebration, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train services on the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor to help ease the expected increase in passenger movement.
The temporary adjustment will begin on Tuesday, May 26, with the number of daily train trips increasing from four to six. The move is aimed at reducing travel stress for passengers heading to different destinations during the festive season.
According to the NRC, the decision was made to provide more convenient and flexible travel options as many Nigerians are expected to travel for the holiday. The announcement was made in Lagos by the corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He explained that the extra train services are only for the Sallah period and are not part of the corporation’s regular timetable. He noted that the corporation decided to increase operations due to the high number of travelers usually recorded during festive periods.
Under the temporary arrangement, trains departing from Lagos will leave at 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Meanwhile, trains leaving Ibadan are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
The NRC also clarified that normal operations would resume after the celebration. Passengers have therefore been advised to take advantage of the additional trips while they last.
Unyimadu further revealed that the usual Thursday six-trip schedule would also experience a temporary adjustment. Instead of six trips, only four services will run on May 28 before the standard timetable returns fully the following week.
In another development, the Osun State Government is set to operate its annual free Sallah train service for indigenes traveling home for the celebration. The service will run on the narrow gauge rail corridor in partnership with the NRC.
According to the corporation, the special free train will depart from Iddo Station in Lagos on May 26. The return trip from Osogbo back to Lagos is scheduled for May 28.
The free train initiative has become an annual support programme by the Osun State Government to assist residents and indigenes during festive periods, especially those traveling from Lagos to Osun State.
Many travelers are expected to benefit from both the increased Lagos-Ibadan train schedule and the free Osun service, especially at a time when road transportation costs remain high.
The NRC said it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport services across the country. The corporation also wished passengers and Nigerians a peaceful and enjoyable Sallah celebration.
The development highlights the growing importance of rail transportation in Nigeria, especially during busy travel periods when roads often experience heavy traffic and increased transport fares.
