The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed passenger operations on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service after a two-day suspension caused by a technical glitch. The service, which connects Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State, was halted on Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21, 2025, to allow for essential maintenance aimed at ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.
In a statement released by the NRC, the management explained that the suspension was a proactive measure to address technical issues and prevent further disruptions. Normal operations resumed on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The corporation also apologized for any inconvenience caused during the downtime.
The decision to suspend operations followed an incident on Tuesday, February 18, when a technical fault stranded passengers overnight at the Ajaokuta Train Station. The train had stopped around 6:00 PM and only resumed its journey the next morning. In response to the incident, the NRC announced a full refund for affected passengers and directed its ticket concessionaire to notify them about reimbursement procedures.
The Warri-Itakpe Train Service is a vital transportation link for communities in Delta and Kogi states, facilitating both passenger movement and commercial activities. However, this latest disruption is not an isolated case. In July 2024, several coaches derailed near Ujevwu in Delta State, while other incidents, such as derailments and locomotive failures, have been reported on other NRC-operated lines. For instance, a train derailed on the Abuja-Kaduna route at Jeremy Station in May 2024.
Despite these setbacks, the NRC remains committed to enhancing its services to ensure safer and more reliable train operations nationwide.
