The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that train operations on the Port Harcourt–Aba route will resume on Tuesday.
Onyedikachi Onovo, spokesperson for NRC’s eastern district, conveyed the update in Enugu on Monday on behalf of the corporation’s management.
Train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor had been suspended since September 5 for routine maintenance.
“The attention of NRC has been drawn to a video on social media showing passengers of the Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service trekking long distances and even crossing a stream in search of alternative means of transportation,” he said.
“This followed the breakdown of the train at Imo River on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at about 16:22 hrs.”
According to Onovo, engineers made several attempts to fix the fault, which occurred while the train was en route from Port Harcourt to Aba, but the issue persisted.
He noted that an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was eventually deployed to rescue the stranded train, while passengers were either conveyed back safely or found alternative routes.
Onovo explained that the faulty train has since been returned to Port Harcourt, where it is undergoing comprehensive repairs to ensure safe and reliable service in line with improved quality standards.
“All passengers affected by this disruption are advised to visit our stations in Port Harcourt or Aba with evidence of payment for a possible refund or replacement of train ride,” he said.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by the public and deeply value the patience and understanding shown by our passengers during this period.”
He added that NRC’s management remains committed to transforming the corporation under the renewed hope agenda, with a focus on safe, reliable, and customer-friendly rail services across the country.