The Nigerian Railway Corporation has halted operations on the Warri–Itakpe rail line over technical and operational concerns, a move the agency says is necessary to ensure passenger safety and improve service delivery.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, who said the suspension takes immediate effect.
According to the corporation, engineers advised that operations on the route be paused to allow for critical assessments and maintenance checks on the standard gauge corridor.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to inform the general public and esteemed passengers that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service has been temporarily suspended due to operational exigencies and technical advice from our engineers.”
The NRC explained that the temporary shutdown would give the agency enough time to evaluate operational conditions and maintain safety standards on the route.
“The temporary suspension has become necessary to enable the Corporation to carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor,” the statement added.
The suspension is expected to affect many commuters, business owners and civil servants who have increasingly depended on the train service because of rising transportation costs and growing insecurity on major highways.
While apologising for the inconvenience caused, the corporation assured passengers that steps were already being taken to restore services as quickly as possible.
“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time,” the corporation stated.
The agency further promised to provide updates on the resumption of operations before the end of the week.
“Passengers and intending travellers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations,” the statement noted.
