The Nigerian Railway Corporation has temporarily halted train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba route due to routine maintenance. The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, personally issued a statement on Friday announcing the suspension.
The maintenance work is scheduled to be completed by September 9, 2025, after which regular train services will resume. The statement expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured passengers of the return to normal operations on the specified date.
This decision has raised concerns among passengers, especially considering the sudden nature of the suspension. The Port Harcourt–Aba line is a crucial route for traders and commuters traveling between the South-East and South-South regions, and its closure may impact their travel plans.
In recent months, the demand for train services on this route has increased due to escalating road transport costs and security challenges on highways. This suspension is part of a series of setbacks faced by the NRC, contributing to a decline in public trust in the railway system.
The NRC faced criticism following a recent train derailment on the Kaduna-bound route, leading to a temporary stoppage of services. Dr. Opeifa confirmed that an investigation, involving relevant agencies, was initiated to determine the cause of the incident.
Despite refuting claims of substandard train conditions, the NRC assured affected passengers of refunds for disrupted services. Initially reporting seven injuries, the corporation later revised the number to 20 passengers sustaining injuries of various degrees.
As concerns mount over safety and operational standards, demands for a comprehensive audit of the NRC’s practices continue to grow. Many Nigerians are questioning the reliability and safety of the country’s railway network in light of recent incidents.
