The Nigerian Railway Corporation recorded a surge in passenger turnout across its operational corridors as the Federal Government approved 50 percent yuletide train fare discount came to an end on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The discounted service, which ran throughout the festive season, attracted thousands of passengers nationwide, reinforcing rail transport as a safer and more affordable alternative during peak travel periods. Findings by The Nation showed that major stations witnessed sustained passenger flow, with several trips on key routes operating close to full capacity during the exercise.
Checks by The Nation revealed that several departures on the Lagos Ibadan corridor operated close to full capacity during the peak festive days, particularly between December 24 and January 1. NRC officials attributed the surge to the fare reduction, improved service reliability and heightened security presence at stations.
Along the Lagos Ibadan, Abuja Kaduna and Warri Itakpe standard gauge corridors, as well as the narrow gauge Mass Transit Train services, passenger movement remained steady, with orderly boarding processes and largely punctual departures recorded throughout the period.
Officials of the Corporation said the turnout reflected growing public confidence in rail transportation, particularly amid rising road travel costs and security concerns during the festive season. Many passengers described the fare reduction as timely relief that eased the financial burden associated with yuletide travel while offering comfort and predictability.
Operational performance during the exercise was largely hitch free, with most services running according to schedule and passenger demand adequately managed. Ticketing, both online and at stations, was effectively coordinated, while customer service officers were deployed to assist commuters, especially first time rail users.
Security agencies were also on ground at stations and onboard trains to ensure safety, contributing to the smooth conduct of operations nationwide.
Management of the Corporation commended the professionalism and commitment of NRC staff, noting that the success of the exercise reflected the capacity of the rail system to support large scale passenger movement when properly incentivised.
