Lagos: The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease travel costs for Nigerians during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The announcement, made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, outlined the initiative aimed at making holiday travel more affordable.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the fare reduction, which took effect on Tuesday, witnessed a significant turnout of passengers across major railway corridors. Opeifa highlighted that at major stations along the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna routes, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers showed up in large numbers. Numerous train departures operated at near full capacity, with early bookings indicating strong public enthusiasm for the 50 per cent discount initiative.
The festive rail service, implemented by the NRC, runs from Tuesday, December 23 to Sunday, January 4, 2026. During this period, passengers enjoy a 50 per cent discount on train fares nationwide, aimed at easing the cost of festive travel. Opeifa noted that many passengers commended the initiative, describing it as timely and economically relieving, particularly for families and group travellers seeking to reunite with loved ones.
He emphasized that the Yuletide train fare reduction aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, characterizing it as a people-focused intervention designed to reduce transportation costs and promote inclusive mobility. Opeifa assured passengers of the corporation’s preparedness to maintain safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide period.
The corporation confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational. Enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements are in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 per cent discount offer. Passengers traveling on standard gauge routes are advised to use NRC-approved online booking platforms, while those on narrow gauge services can purchase tickets directly at designated railway stations.
Opeifa reiterated NRC’s commitment to seamless festive operations and urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and adhere to all travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys throughout the 50 per cent discount Yuletide Train Ride period.