NRC Halts Warri–Itakpe Train Service Temporarily for Safety, Technical Review
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has temporarily suspended operations on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS), citing operational exigencies and technical recommendations from its engineering team.
The Corporation announced the development in an official statement signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on behalf of the management, stressing that the decision was taken in the interest of passenger safety and operational efficiency.
According to the NRC, the suspension is intended to allow engineers and technical personnel carry out comprehensive operational assessments and inspections along the rail corridor to ensure that services continue to meet required safety and reliability standards.
The management explained that the temporary shutdown became necessary following expert advice from its engineers, who recommended immediate technical evaluations and related operational checks on the route.
The Warri–Itakpe standard gauge corridor, which connects Warri to Itakpe, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s key rail transport routes, providing mobility for passengers and facilitating commercial activities between several communities along the axis.
In the statement, the Corporation assured passengers and stakeholders that the ongoing assessments were aimed at improving service delivery and sustaining safe railway operations on the line.
“The temporary suspension has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor,” the NRC stated.
The agency acknowledged the inconvenience the suspension may cause travellers and businesses that depend on the train service, but emphasised that the action was necessary to prevent operational risks and maintain the integrity of the rail system.
The NRC further disclosed that efforts were already underway to address the identified concerns within the shortest possible time, adding that updates regarding the restoration of services would be communicated to the public before the end of the week.
Passengers planning journeys on the corridor were advised to await further announcements concerning the official resumption date for normal train operations.
Despite the temporary disruption, the Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, efficient, reliable, and customer-friendly railway services nationwide.
The management also thanked passengers and members of the public for their patience, understanding, and continued support as the Corporation works towards restoring operations on the route.
