In a bid to enhance holiday travel, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will operate special end-of-year train services on all its routes across the country. This initiative follows a directive from the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation.
A statement issued by NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, revealed that further details, including the dates and specific arrangements for the special service, will be shared in the near future.
The announcement comes after The PUNCH reported that the government is planning to offer discounted travel fares during the Yuletide season to make transportation more affordable for Nigerians traveling to visit family and loved ones. Although the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Transportation, Olujimi Oyetomi, confirmed these plans, he did not disclose the exact discount percentages.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive through the Ministry of Transportation, announces the operation of special train services in celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays,” the NRC statement read. “This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure a joyful end-of-year experience for travelers. More details on the schedule and service modalities will be provided soon. We wish our esteemed customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.”
Last year, the government introduced a 50% discount on inter-state road travel and 100% discount on train fares during the holiday period, benefiting more than 112,000 passengers, according to the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria.
