Nigerian Railway Records Passenger Boom as 2-Week 50% Fare Discount on Yuletide Train Ride Begins Nationwide
By Matthew Ukachunwa
Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reported an overflow of passengers as a result of 50 per cent fare discount on Yuletide Train Ride approved by the Federal Government began on Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
The Corporation announced on Tuesday that it has recorded a large turnout of passengers across major railway corridors as Nigerians took advantage of the 50 per cent fare reduction to travel for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several train departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50 per cent discount initiative,” NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu reported.
The Christmas and New Year train service fare reduction will end on
Sunday, 4th January 2025.
“Many passengers who interacted with NRC officials expressed appreciation for the 50 per cent discounted fares, describing the initiative as timely, thoughtful, and economically relieving, especially for families and group travellers journeying to reunite with loved ones during the Yuletide season.
“The 50 per cent Yuletide Train Ride is a people-oriented intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting inclusive mobility, and encouraging the use of rail transport as a safe and reliable alternative during peak travel periods,” Unyimadu said.
Speaking on the kick off of the discounted festive operations, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of the Corporation’s preparedness to sustain safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide period.
The Corporation confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, with enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 per cent discount offer.
Passengers travelling on standard gauge routes have been advised to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while passengers on narrow gauge services can purchase their tickets directly at designated railway stations.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation reiterated its commitment to seamless festive operations and urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with all travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys throughout the 50% discount Yuletide Train Ride period.
