Sallah: NRC Expands Lagos-Ibadan Rail Operations, Osun Govt to Offer Free Train Ride for Indigenes
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an expansion of train services on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge corridor as part of measures to cater for the expected rise in passenger traffic ahead of the 2026 Sallah celebration.
The corporation said the temporary arrangement would take effect on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with six train trips scheduled for the day instead of the regular four services currently operating on the route.
In a press release signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC explained that the decision was taken to ease movement for travellers heading to different destinations to celebrate with family members and loved ones during the Muslim festival.
Under the revised timetable, trains departing from Lagos will leave at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while services from Ibadan are slated for 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.
The management stressed that the increase in operations is temporary and applies only to the Sallah period. It added that the usual Tuesday schedule of four train trips would resume immediately after the festive season.
The corporation further disclosed that its recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor would also be temporarily adjusted next week.
According to the statement, only four train trips will operate on Thursday, May 28, during the review period, after which the normal six-trip Thursday schedule will return.
The Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor remains one of the flagship projects in Nigeria’s railway modernisation drive and has significantly improved passenger mobility between the nation’s commercial capital and the South-West region.
Since the commencement of operations, the service has continued to attract increasing patronage from commuters seeking a safer and more convenient alternative to road transportation.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government is set to commence its annual free Sallah train service for indigenes travelling from Lagos to Osogbo for the celebration.
The NRC said the special service would operate on the narrow gauge line, with the outbound trip departing from Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, while the return service from Osogbo to Lagos is scheduled for Thursday, May 28.
According to the corporation, the initiative is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the NRC to enable Osun indigenes travel home at no cost during the festive season.
The annual free train scheme has become a popular intervention by the Osun State Government during major celebrations, helping residents reduce transportation expenses while encouraging the use of rail services.
Industry observers say the increased reliance on rail transportation in recent years reflects growing public confidence in the country’s railway system, particularly amid concerns over highway congestion, fuel costs and insecurity on some roads.
The NRC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, reliable and efficient rail services nationwide and extended goodwill wishes to Nigerians for a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration.
