In a recent interview with newsmen, Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), disclosed plans to initiate night operations by the second quarter of 2024.
This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency of rail services, allowing the corporation to conduct six rail journeys daily on the standard gauge train network.
The decision to introduce night operations is a significant development for the NRC, as it signifies a departure from the current limitations imposed by daytime travel. Okhiria emphasized that trains are designed to operate around the clock, providing passengers with flexibility in their travel schedules. However, security concerns in the country have previously restricted railway activities to daylight hours.
Okhiria outlined the corporation’s ambitious plans to reinstate passenger and freight train services on key routes, including Port-Harcourt to Aba, Lagos to Kano, and Kaduna, primarily to cater to the demands of dry ports. The expansion will not only reconnect major cities but also stimulate economic activities and trade.
The NRC DG elaborated on the forthcoming changes, stating, “We are going to increase the number of train trips to six on Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Abuja-Kaduna, which means the trips will be three times to and three times fro, making six trips in a day.” Currently, the railway operates four trips – two in each direction – but the impending expansion will significantly augment the frequency of train services.
Anticipated to commence before the second quarter of 2024, these developments mark a pivotal moment for the Nigeria Railway Corporation as it seeks to revolutionize rail travel and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
