The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to operate special train services to commemorate the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure an enjoyable and convenient travel experience for Nigerians during the festive season.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday by Yakub Mahmood, Deputy Director of Public Relations at NRC, through the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the corporation.
The special train services will be available on scheduled passenger trains, providing an alternative and comfortable mode of transport during the busy holiday period.
“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive through the Federal Ministry of Transportation @MinTransportNG, hereby informs the general public that the NRC shall operate end of the year special train services in commemoration of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“This end-of-the-year special train service on scheduled passenger trains is part of the government’s gesture towards an enjoyable end of the year celebration,” the statement read in part.
The statement did not specify the dates and details of the end-of-year special train services, but the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) promised to provide more information soon. The services aim to ease holiday travel congestion by offering a safer, more efficient alternative.
NRC also extended holiday greetings, wishing customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance, with the special services expected to enhance festive travel options.
What you should know
The planned initiative to operate special train services for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations builds on a similar effort by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in 2023, which was designed to ease the travel burden during the festive season.
- In 2023, the Federal Government introduced measures aimed at alleviating the financial strain on Nigerians during the holidays, including a 50% fare reduction for interstate travel.
- Additionally, all rail services were made free from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, with the period later extended until January 7, 2024.
- The 2023 initiative was widely regarded as a timely response to the economic challenges of the period, offering Nigerians more affordable transportation options.
- The 2024 special train services from NRC are expected to follow a similar pattern, ensuring that people have access to convenient and budget-friendly travel options throughout the festive season.
These holiday train services in 2024 are set to provide a reliable and comfortable travel alternative, making it easier for Nigerians to navigate the busy holiday period.
