.Osun offers free service on NRC narrow gauge

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has concluded plans for a temporary increase in train services on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service, LITS, corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The temporary adjustment, aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passenger movement as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones.

According to Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, under the special arrangement, the Corporation will operate six train trips on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the usual four trips currently operated on the corridor.

For the day, train departures from the Lagos end will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from the Ibadan end will be at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.

The management clarified that the arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period. Immediately after the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips will resume.

“Similarly, the recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations will be temporarily adjusted next week, as only four trips will operate on Thursday 28th may during the period under review. The regular six-trip Thursday schedule will however resume the following week,” NRC stated.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government said it would also operate its annual free Sallah train service on the NRC narrow gauge corridor for indigenes of the state travelling home to celebrate the festival in Osogbo.

The special train will depart from Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the return trip from Osogbo to Lagos will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The service, which is usually operated during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to convey Osun indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration.

The NRC reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transportation services across the country and wished all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration.