The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease travel costs for Nigerians during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
Opeifa said the fare reduction, which took effect on Tuesday, had already recorded a large turnout of passengers across major railway corridors.
“At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several train departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50 per cent discount initiative.
“The festive rail service, being implemented by the NRC, runs from Tuesday, December 23 to Sunday, January 4, 2026, during which passengers enjoy a 50 per cent discount on train fares nationwide. This is to ease the cost of festive travel,” he said.
Opeifa noted that many passengers commended the initiative, describing it as timely, thoughtful and economically relieving, especially for families and group travellers seeking to reunite with loved ones.
He said the Yuletide train fare reduction aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a people-focused intervention aimed at reducing transportation costs and promoting inclusive mobility.
Opeifa assured passengers of the corporation’s preparedness to sustain safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide period.
“The corporation confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational.
“It will come with enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 per cent discount offer.
“Passengers travelling on standard gauge routes are advised to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while passengers on narrow gauge services can purchase their tickets directly at designated railway stations,” he said.
He said NRC was committed to seamless festive operations and urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with all travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys throughout the 50 per cent discount Yuletide Train Ride period. NAN