After more than six months of disruption, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the resumption of train services on the strategically important Warri-Itakpe corridor, marking the end of one of the longest service suspensions on the country’s standard gauge rail network.
The Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) is scheduled to recommence operations on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the corporation confirmed in a statement released by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
Technical Breakdown Sparked Prolonged Shutdown
The suspension, which began on April 9, 2025, was triggered by a major technical disruption that left passengers stranded mid-journey. According to the NRC, multiple engine failures occurred around 1:38 p.m., affecting both the morning train from Warri and the afternoon service from Itakpe. The failures not only halted regular operations but also complicated emergency recovery efforts, leaving the corporation with no choice but to suspend the service entirely.
Initially, the NRC announced a 72-hour suspension to conduct a comprehensive audit and address the immediate technical faults. However, what was planned as a brief shutdown evolved into a protracted suspension lasting over six months.
By April 21, while confirming that core technical issues had been resolved, the corporation decided to extend the suspension indefinitely to implement what it described as “additional safety redundancies and procedural improvements.” This extension, NRC management explained, was necessary to achieve long-term operational stability and align the service with international railway safety standards.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Safety Overhaul
In its latest statement, the corporation emphasized that the extended suspension period was utilized for critical repairs, maintenance work, and thorough system checks on both the track infrastructure and rolling stock.
“The temporary suspension was necessary to carry out critical repairs, maintenance, and system checks on the track and rolling stock to ensure the comfort, reliability, and safety of passengers,” Unyimadu stated, underscoring the corporation’s commitment to passenger safety above operational convenience.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, sought to reassure the traveling public of the corporation’s renewed focus on safety and reliability as services return to the 326-kilometer corridor connecting the oil-rich Niger Delta region to Nigeria’s hinterland.
Booking Portal Reopens, Limited Initial Operations
In preparation for the resumption, the NRC announced that its online ticketing platform will become operational at 12 noon on Monday, October 27, 2025—just two days before trains begin rolling again. Passengers can book tickets through the corporation’s website at https://nrc-fane.ng or purchase them directly at designated train stations across the country.
Operations will initially resume with a scaled-down fleet of seven coaches—six standard class and one business class—a configuration that may reflect either cautious operational planning or ongoing fleet availability challenges.
The corporation also indicated that the full train timetable, including temporary speed restrictions (TSR) implemented for ongoing safety monitoring, will be published on Monday. These speed restrictions suggest that while service is resuming, the NRC will continue to closely monitor the corridor’s performance in the initial phase of operations.
Apology and Path Forward
The NRC issued an apology to passengers and stakeholders for the extended inconvenience, acknowledging the disruption the six-month suspension caused to travelers who depend on the service for business, commerce, and personal travel.
“The Corporation sincerely apologizes to its esteemed passengers and stakeholders for the inconveniences experienced during the period of suspension and appreciates their patience and understanding,” the statement read.
The Warri-Itakpe railway, commissioned in September 2020, represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s rail modernization program and serves as a vital transportation link for the southern region. The extended shutdown raised questions about the maintenance protocols and operational readiness of Nigeria’s newer rail infrastructure.
As services prepare to resume, the traveling public will be watching closely to see whether the extensive maintenance period translates into the improved reliability and safety that the NRC has promised—and whether the corporation can avoid a repeat of the technical failures that led to this prolonged disruption.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
After a six-month suspension triggered by multiple engine failures in April 2025, the Nigerian Railway Corporation will resume Warri-Itakpe train services on October 29, 2025.
