The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a 50 per cent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease the financial burden of travel during the Christmas and New Year festive season. The initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), took effect on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, and will run through 4 January 2026.
Rail commuters across the country responded enthusiastically to the fare cut, with major rail corridors such as Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as several narrow-gauge routes, recording heavy passenger turnout and near-full capacity operations shortly after the discounted fares were introduced.
NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa said the move was aimed at reducing transport costs during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, enabling Nigerians to more affordably reunite with family and loved ones for the holidays.
Officials noted that the fare reduction aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a broader policy framework focused on enhancing accessibility to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility options for citizens.
Passengers have expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and economically relieving, particularly amid rising costs for alternative modes of travel such as road and air transport.
The NRC has also assured travellers of enhanced safety, security, and customer service arrangements across stations and onboard trains to manage the expected surge in passenger numbers during the festive period. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.