The Nigerian Government, through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has launched a nationwide initiative offering free train rides for 340,000 passengers traveling to their hometowns for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
This gesture, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate transportation costs during the yuletide season.
The key train routes included in the initiative are Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe, and others. The move aims to provide affordable and seamless transport for Nigerians during the holidays. In addition, the Nigerian Government is enhancing security at major train stations, anticipating a surge in passengers.
The military and the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed across the country to ensure security at train stations, including Port Harcourt Railway Station, the Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Rail Station in Abuja. According to Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military is working closely with other agencies to protect both the trains and passengers. Commissioner of Police for the Railway Command, Iliyasu Kwarbai, confirmed that security personnel have been stationed at the train stations to manage crowds and ensure passenger safety.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also deployed 28,300 tactical operatives nationwide to safeguard critical national assets, including railway infrastructure. The NSCDC has identified flashpoints, such as recreational centres and motor parks, to closely monitor for any criminal activities during the festive season.
The NRC’s acting Managing Director, Ben Iluanosi, expressed confidence in the success of the free train ride initiative, confirming that operations have run smoothly on the first day. He announced that up to 20,000 passengers are expected daily, with a total of 340,000 passengers anticipated by the end of the program. To ensure fairness and crowd control, ticket purchases are limited to two tickets per person, and passengers are encouraged to book tickets online in advance.
While the initiative aims to ease transportation during the holidays, the NRC is working on improving the e-ticketing system to address any challenges passengers may encounter. The free train rides are expected to continue until early January, with further updates provided by the NRC.
