The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed recent safety concerns circulating on social media about the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor, affirming that train services remain safe, secure, and fully operational.
In a statement issued Monday, NRC’s Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, addressed a widely shared video showing removed rail clips on the line. He clarified that the issue was identified during a routine inspection and promptly fixed by maintenance crews, posing no risk to passengers or train operations.
“The message warning the public to avoid travel on the Warri-Itakpe corridor is misleading and unfounded,” Unyimadu said. “Train services on this corridor and all other NRC routes continue to be safe, reliable, and fully operational.”
The NRC emphasized its ongoing commitment to safety, noting continuous surveillance of tracks and rolling stock by trained personnel ready to respond to any challenges in real time. Passengers were urged to rely only on verified NRC communication channels for accurate travel updates.
The Warri–Itakpe Railway, spanning 326 kilometres between Delta and Kogi states, has experienced technical disruptions in recent months. In April 2025, operations were temporarily suspended for 72 hours following engine failures and safety upgrades. Earlier in February, services were briefly halted for repairs, and a derailment in July 2024 near Ujevwu caused a two-day suspension, though no injuries were reported.
Despite these incidents, NRC maintains that safety standards remain high and that the rail line is fully functional.
Passengers are encouraged to continue using NRC services with confidence, as the corporation works to ensure a safer and more efficient transportation network nationwide.
