Nigeria Train Service Returns After Weeks-Long Pause

Commuters who rely on the train between southern and central Nigeria have something to celebrate: their daily ride is back.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation announced that train service on the Ujevwu–Itakpe corridor will resume Wednesday, January 28th, reconnecting Delta State to Kogi State after a multi-week suspension. The first train departs Ujevwu Station at 8:00 am, with return service from Itakpe starting Thursday at noon.

The railway's customer service team thanked passengers for their patience in a statement released Monday. Online ticket booking opened at midnight, allowing travelers to secure their spots for the week ahead.

The route serves as a critical link for the region. Since its 2020 inauguration as part of the Warri–Itakpe rail line, it has transported passengers and freight between Nigeria's South-South and North-Central regions, helping move goods from Warri ports and connecting communities across state lines.

Service stopped several weeks ago while crews performed maintenance work on rail infrastructure and addressed safety concerns. The suspension disrupted daily commutes and slowed commercial activity along the corridor, prompting travelers and business owners to push for a quick return to normal operations.

The Ripple Effect

When trains stop running, the impact spreads far beyond inconvenienced commuters. Small business owners who transport goods lose income. Families separated by distance miss precious time together. Workers arrive late or miss opportunities entirely.

Now those connections can resume. Market vendors can move their products efficiently again. Students traveling between states can get back to reliable schedules. The economic activity that depends on predictable transportation can pick up momentum.

The railway corporation has emphasized that periodic maintenance isn't just necessary but vital for long-term reliability. Taking trains offline temporarily ensures they run safely for years to come across Nigeria's growing rail network.

For passengers booking tickets this week, the message is simple: the wait is over, and the trains are rolling again.