ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has approved a 50 percent reduction in train fares across all Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) services as part of measures to ease transportation pressure during the Eid-el-Kabir festive period.
The announcement applies to major rail corridors nationwide, aimed at making travel more affordable for Nigerians returning home or moving between cities to celebrate the Sallah holidays.
Officials said the decision is part of broader efforts to support citizens during festive seasons while encouraging the use of safer and more efficient public transportation systems.
Easing Travel Burden During Festivities
The discount is expected to significantly reduce the cost of intercity travel, particularly for routes with high passenger demand during public holidays.
Transportation authorities explained that the initiative is designed to reduce congestion on highways while promoting greater reliance on rail transport.
They added that the policy is also intended to improve passenger experience and ensure safer movement across the country during peak travel periods.
Boost For Rail Transportation
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has in recent years expanded its passenger services across several key routes, including Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, and other intercity lines.
Officials believe that fare reductions during festive periods will encourage more citizens to adopt rail transport, thereby reducing pressure on road networks.
Government Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Government representatives noted that the subsidy reflects a commitment to easing economic pressures on Nigerians, particularly during periods of high travel demand.
They said similar interventions may continue to be introduced during major national holidays to support mobility and reduce transportation costs.
Public Reaction And Expectations
The announcement has been welcomed by many commuters, especially those planning to travel for Eid celebrations, with calls for timely implementation and improved service efficiency.
Transport analysts say the measure could improve passenger turnout on rail services while also reducing road accidents associated with heavy holiday traffic.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are expected to monitor the implementation of the fare reduction to ensure compliance and smooth operations across all NRC routes during the Eid-el-Kabir period.
