Record-Breaking Surge: NRC Steers 63,000 Passengers in 6-Day Spree, Reveals Fidet Okhiria

The Managing Director of Infostride News, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, has shared significant developments regarding the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) free train rides initiative, revealing that over 63,000 passengers have been transported nationwide between December 21 and December 26. The disclosure occurred during an end-of-the-year media interactive session held in Lagos.

Previously reported by Infostride News on December 20, 2023, the presidency had announced a 50% reduction in transport fares for interstate travels and complimentary commuter rides on all rail lines from December 20, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Okhiria expressed his appreciation for the Federal Government’s initiative and encouraged the public to actively participate in the online platform, particularly during and after the festive period.

In addition to the free train rides, Okhiria unveiled strategic partnerships between the NRC and various organizations, emphasizing a commitment to the safety of tracks and efficient freight operations. He provided updates on ongoing rail projects nationwide, revealing plans to enhance rolling stocks to increase the number of coaches and trips from Lagos to Ibadan and other routes.

A notable project highlighted by Okhiria is the completion of tracks along the Lagos to Kano rail corridor, a crucial development for passenger and freight train movement between both states. He assured that the tracks on the Lagos-Kano rail corridor would be finalized by the end of December. Okhiria acknowledged the Minister’s directive to facilitate seamless passenger and freight train operations between Lagos and Kano and assured that the NRC is diligently working towards meeting this deadline.

Further details unveiled by Okhiria include the successful arrival of a locomotive and wagon in Minna, with plans to transport the wagon to Kaduna by December 30. Despite security challenges in the Kaduna vicinity, Okhiria expressed gratitude for the support from the military and police, ensuring completion of the track between Minna and Kaduna within the next five days. The NRC anticipates initiating skeletal services around the Minna-Kaduna track and commencing train movements in the northern region by January.

Vandalism of rail line infrastructure emerged as a significant challenge for the NRC, with Okhiria reporting the recent replacement of a vandalized clipper between Mokua and Kano. He emphasized the corporation’s resilience in overcoming challenges, citing the successful recovery and commencement of full operation along the Warri-Itakpe axis.

Addressing ongoing rail projects, Okhiria highlighted the continuous laying of tracks from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. The contractor overseeing the project assured that the track between Port Harcourt and Aba would be ready within 15 days. Okhiria emphasized the strategic measures in place to safeguard the rail infrastructure, making it less susceptible to vandalism.

Looking ahead to 2024, Okhiria outlined the NRC’s goal to increase the turnaround time of the Standard Gauge train between Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Abuja-to-Kaduna. He disclosed that the Federal Government is providing financial resources for fuel and logistics to ensure the success of the free train rides during the festive period.

Providing a comprehensive backstory, the Federal Government’s announcement on December 20, 2023, of a 50% reduction in transport fares for interstate travels and free commuter rides on all rail lines from December 20, 2023, to January 4, 2024, set the stage for the subsequent developments. Notably, on the following day, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, in an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, requested necessary resources from the Federal Government to cover the costs associated with the free train rides, citing the NRC’s ongoing recovery from a previous transport fare slash for rail lines initiated by the past administration.