Disrupted Port Harcourt–Aba train service resumes Sept.9

….NRC apologises to passengers

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed passenger train services on the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor.

This follows the successful testing on revamped section that was affected and the Locomotive 2223 has been declared fit for service.

According to statement signed on behalf of NRC management by
Dr. Onyedikachi S. Onovo, District Public Relations Officer, Eastern District, it reads, “Normal train operations on the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor will resume tomorrow, September 9, 2025.

In line with the directive of Kayode Opeifa , the NRC Managing Director’s, passengers who previously held tickets for the disrupted service will travel free of charge, while new passengers will enjoy a 50 percent discount on fares as a gesture of goodwill.

The statement further adds that, the NRC regrets the earlier disruption and assures the public of its continued commitment to safe, reliable and customer friendly rail services across the country.

Recall that, there was a breakdown of a train at Imo River on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at about 16:22 hrs.

In an earlier statement, the NRC management had regretted the inconveniences experienced by passengers on that day.

Reports had it that a train which was on its way from Aba to Port Harcourt, suddenly developed an unusual fault and stopped functioning.

Despite the best efforts of NRC engineers to revive the locomotive, the fault persisted. Consequently, an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was quickly deployed to rescue the stranded train.

“While some passengers chose to take alternative routes to their destinations, others were conveyed back safely.”

The train was returned to Port Harcourt and repaired to ensure it is fit to service in line with NRC’s quality control metrics.

All passengers affected by this disruption are advised to visit NRC stations in Port Harcourt or Aba with evidence of payment for a possible refund or replacement train ride.

MIKE OCHONMA
EDITOR