By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced additional train services on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor and the introduction of a special free train to Osun State as part of its Easter travel arrangements.
In a statement issued by Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation said the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) would operate three daily trips to ease congestion on one of the country’s busiest rail routes. Departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station are scheduled for 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains from Obafemi Awolowo Station will depart at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
The NRC also confirmed a special narrow-gauge train service to Osun State, fully funded by the state government, with passengers travelling free of charge. The train will depart Iddo Station for Osogbo at 10:00 a.m. on April 3 and return at the same time on April 6.
The initiative, according to the corporation, is aimed at providing a safer and more efficient alternative to road travel during the Easter period, when traffic congestion typically increases.
On the Abuja-Kaduna route, the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will operate two trips on Thursdays and three daily trips from Friday through Monday, covering morning, mid-day, and afternoon departures between Idu and Rigasa.
Similarly, operations on the Warri-Itakpe rail line will continue under the existing timetable, with services running six days a week and Thursdays reserved for maintenance. Trains from Warri to Itakpe will depart at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, while return journeys from Itakpe to Warri will run at 12:00 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
On the Eastern corridor, the Port Harcourt-Aba service will maintain its regular schedule, departing Port Harcourt at 8:00 a.m. and Aba at 3:00 p.m.
The NRC said the Easter service plan is designed to ensure smoother passenger movement while maintaining safety and reliability across all routes, urging commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
