The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will resume full operations on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
This announcement comes months after the train line was shut down following a technical fault that forced the NRC to suspend its operations earlier in the year.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the suspension allowed the agency to complete critical repairs and carry out system checks to improve the reliability and safety of its operations.
“The temporary suspension was necessary to carry out essential maintenance, system checks, and repairs on the tracks and rolling stock to guarantee passengers’ comfort and safety,” Unyimadu said.
The NRC added that the online booking portal will reopen by 12 noon on Monday, October 27, two days before operations resume. Passengers can book tickets via https://nrc-fane.ng or at designated railway stations.
Operations on the route will begin with seven coaches — six in the standard class and one in the business class. The corporation said it would also release a new train timetable on Monday, which includes temporary speed restrictions for monitoring and safety purposes.
Unyimadu expressed gratitude to passengers and stakeholders for their patience during the suspension period, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
“The corporation sincerely apologizes to its esteemed passengers and stakeholders for the inconveniences experienced during the suspension period and appreciates their patience and understanding,” the statement added.
The NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient railway services across Nigeria. He assured passengers that the Warri–Itakpe corridor now meets the highest safety standards after the recent upgrades.
The Warri–Itakpe line is one of Nigeria’s key rail corridors, linking the South-South region to the North-Central. It plays a vital role in passenger movement and the transportation of goods across states.
