Deborah Akinyosoye
The 50 per cent discount Yuletide Train Ride, approved by the Federal Government, commenced yesterday nationwide, recording a large turnout of passengers across major railway corridors as Nigerians took advantage of the 50 per cent fare reduction to travel for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna routes, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several train departures operating at near full capacity, as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50 per cent discount initiative.
The festive rail service, being implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, runs from Tuesday, 23 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025, during which passengers enjoy a 50 per cent discount on train fares nationwide to ease the cost of festive travel.
In a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, for the Management, it was said that many passengers who interacted with NRC officials expressed appreciation for the 50 per cent discounted fares, describing the initiative as timely, thoughtful, and economically relieving, especially for families and group travellers journeying to reunite with loved ones during the Yuletide season.
The 50 per cent Yuletide train ride is a people-oriented intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting inclusive mobility, and encouraging the use of rail transport as a safe and reliable alternative during peak travel periods.
Speaking on the commencement of the discounted festive operations, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of the Corporation’s preparedness to sustain safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide period.
The Corporation confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, with enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 per cent discount offer.
Passengers travelling on standard gauge routes are advised to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while passengers on narrow gauge services can purchase their tickets directly at designated railway stations.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation reiterates its commitment to seamless festive operations and urges passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with all travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys throughout the 50 per cent discount Yuletide Train Ride period.