ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced a temporary expansion of train operations on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor ahead of the Sallah celebration, in anticipation of increased passenger movement during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation said the adjustment, set for May 26, 2026, is intended to ease travel pressure as Nigerians move to reunite with family and loved ones for the holiday season.
“The temporary adjustment is aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passenger movement as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones,” the statement said.
Under the revised schedule, train operations on the Lagos–Ibadan route will increase to six trips on Tuesdays, up from the usual four.
The NRC said departures from Lagos will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while trains from Ibadan will depart at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.
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It clarified that the adjustment is strictly temporary and limited to the Sallah travel period.
“Immediately after the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips will resume,” it stated.
The corporation also noted that the recently introduced Thursday six-trip schedule will be temporarily scaled down next week to four trips on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
“The regular six-trip Thursday schedule will, however, resume the following week,” the statement added.
The NRC further announced that the Osun State Government will run its annual free Sallah train service on the narrow-gauge corridor to support indigenes travelling to Osogbo for the celebrations.
According to the statement, the special train will depart Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the return journey from Osogbo to Lagos is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The corporation explained that the initiative, traditionally introduced during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the NRC to transport indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration.
“The service, which is usually operated during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to convey Osun indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration,” the statement said.
The NRC reaffirmed its commitment to safe, efficient and reliable rail services nationwide and extended Eid-el-Adha greetings to Nigerians.