NRC Increases Lagos-Ibadan Train Trips for Sallah Travel

The Nigerian Railway Corporation will operate six Lagos‑Ibadan train trips on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, up from the usual four, to accommodate Sallah travel demand. Osun State will also run a free narrow‑gauge service for its indigenes, with the NRC providing the rolling stock and sponsorship.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation announced the temporary increase ahead of the Eid‑el‑Adha festivities, citing an expected rise in passenger movement as families travel to celebrate. The adjustment takes effect on May 26, 2026, and will revert to the regular four‑trip timetable immediately after the celebration.

Under the revised schedule, trains will leave Lagos at 7:45 am, 1:40 pm and 4:00 pm, while departures from Ibadan are set for 8:00 am, 10:50 am and 4:30 pm. The corporation noted that the arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period.

The NRC also said that its regular six‑trip Thursday schedule will be reduced to four trips on Thursday, May 28, 2026, before resuming the six‑trip pattern the following week. This shift ensures resources are reallocated to meet the Tuesday surge.

Separately, the Osun State Government will operate a free Sallah train service on the narrow‑gauge line for indigenes traveling to Osogbo. The special train will depart Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and return from Osogbo to Lagos on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with the NRC providing the locomotives and carriages under a paid partnership.

Adding two extra trips on Tuesday raises the corridor’s capacity by roughly 50 percent, helping to reduce crowding and wait times during the peak travel window. The NRC said it aims to provide rail transportation that meets safety, punctuality and reliability standards during high‑demand periods.

The free Osun service offers a cost‑saving option for eligible passengers, while the temporary Thursday adjustment shows the corporation’s flexibility in reallocating assets based on short‑term demand fluctuations.

Analysts will watch whether the increased Tuesday frequency prompts a permanent schedule revision after the holiday period.