NRC Announces Imminent Resumption of Warri-Itakpe Train Services

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that passenger train operations along the Warri-Itakpe corridor will resume soon, following months of suspension due to a derailment incident and other operational disruptions. The Corporation disclosed that comprehensive repair works and safety checks have been carried out on the rail infrastructure to ensure a smooth and secure restart of services.

The Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line, which connects Ujevwu in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State, is a key transport link for both passengers and freight. It serves as a critical component of Nigeria’s rail modernization agenda, aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activities between the South-South and North-Central regions. The route has also been vital for the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, particularly for industries operating in the steel and oil sectors.

In January 2023, operations on the line were suspended following a derailment incident near Kogi State, which led to temporary disruptions and a full safety audit by the NRC. Since then, passengers and businesses relying on the corridor have faced increased costs and logistical challenges. The NRC stated that it has worked tirelessly to address all operational and safety gaps identified after the incident.

NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, explained that the delay in resuming operations was due to a commitment to ensuring maximum safety standards. He noted that new safety protocols, modern signaling upgrades, and extensive track rehabilitation have been completed. According to him, the NRC has also undertaken staff retraining to improve service delivery and emergency response preparedness.

“We have concluded the necessary safety checks and addressed the lapses that led to the incident. Our goal is to ensure that passengers can travel with confidence, knowing that the infrastructure and our personnel are fully equipped to deliver safe and reliable services,” Okhiria said. He further noted that the Warri-Itakpe corridor remains one of the busiest and most economically viable rail routes in the country.

In addition to safety improvements, the NRC has announced plans to introduce new ticketing and reservation systems aimed at enhancing customer experience. Passengers will now have the option to book tickets online to reduce congestion at train stations. The corporation is also considering deploying additional train sets to meet the growing demand for rail transport along the corridor.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the planned resumption, noting that it will ease the burden on road networks, reduce travel costs, and enhance regional trade. The Warri-Itakpe line is expected to play a major role in supporting the movement of goods to the Warri Port, thereby facilitating export activities and improving Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.

Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding the proposed extension of the line to Abuja, which would further strengthen the interconnectivity of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure. The extension, when completed, would link Itakpe to the existing Abuja-Kaduna rail line, creating a seamless rail network from the South-South to the Federal Capital Territory.

Local businesses and residents along the corridor have expressed optimism about the service resumption. Many traders rely on the rail service to transport goods in bulk at lower costs compared to road haulage. Analysts believe the resumption will have a positive multiplier effect on economic activities in Delta, Edo, and Kogi states.

Security has also been a major focus in preparation for the resumption. The NRC confirmed that it has engaged security agencies to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo. Surveillance equipment and patrol teams are expected to be deployed along critical points of the rail route to prevent vandalism and attacks.

The Warri-Itakpe rail line, inaugurated in 2020, has since grown into a preferred travel option for thousands of commuters. Its temporary suspension created a vacuum in affordable and efficient transportation within the region, underscoring the strategic importance of rail transport in Nigeria’s infrastructure development plans.

With the final phase of inspection and testing nearly complete, the NRC has assured that the Warri-Itakpe train services will return in a matter of weeks. The corporation has urged passengers to remain patient, stressing that safety and reliability remain the top priorities.

The planned resumption of operations marks a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s broader transportation and economic diversification goals. It also aligns with the federal government’s renewed push to modernize the country’s railway system as a catalyst for industrialization and trade.

The success of the Warri-Itakpe line, according to transport experts, will also serve as a model for other railway projects under development across Nigeria. If sustained, it could set a new standard for passenger convenience and freight efficiency in the country’s railway sector.