ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced the temporary suspension of operations on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service over operational issues and technical advice from its engineers.
The suspension took effect immediately.
Disclosing the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation explained that the decision was made to prioritise passenger safety and allow for detailed operational assessments along the rail corridor.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to inform the general public and esteemed passengers that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service has been temporarily suspended due to operational exigencies and technical advice from our engineers.”
According to the corporation, the suspension became necessary to ensure safe and efficient transportation services on the standard gauge route.
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“The temporary suspension has become necessary to enable the Corporation to carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor,” the statement added.
The development is expected to impact hundreds of passengers, traders and civil servants who have increasingly relied on the rail service as a more affordable and safer alternative to road travel amid rising fuel prices and insecurity on highways.
The NRC, however, appealed to passengers for patience and understanding, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to resolve the issues and resume operations promptly.
“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time,” the corporation stated.
The agency also assured travellers that information regarding the resumption of services would be announced before the end of the week.
“Passengers and intending travellers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations,” the statement noted.