The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) has introduced the resumption of the Warri–Itakpe Prepare Service (WITS) from Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following weeks of suspension to allow upkeep and security checks on the hall.
In an announcement issued by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, the Company mentioned the suspension was vital to make sure passenger security and enhance service reliability.
“The momentary suspension was vital to hold out crucial repairs, upkeep, and system checks on the monitor and rolling inventory to make sure the consolation, reliability and security of passengers,” the assertion mentioned.
It added that the resumption aligns with NRC’s dedication to offering secure and environment friendly prepare companies whereas sustaining the best operational requirements.
On April 9, NRC suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe customary gauge rail line following a significant technical disruption that halted companies on each routes. The incident, which occurred round 1:38 p.m., affected the 8:00 a.m. prepare from Warri and the two:00 p.m. service from Itakpe. In response to the NRC, a number of engine failures have been answerable for the breakdown and in addition hampered emergency restoration efforts.
In an announcement issued by the company, a 72-hour suspension was introduced to permit for a full audit, decision of recognized points, and restoration of secure and dependable operations.
Nonetheless, by April 21, the NRC clarified that whereas the technical faults had been resolved, operations would stay suspended to permit for additional security checks and system upgrades. The company defined that engineers had mounted the core points, however administration prolonged the suspension interval to implement extra security redundancies and procedural enhancements.
These additional measures, the NRC mentioned, have been vital to make sure long-term operational stability and convey the Warri-Itakpe rail service according to international greatest practices. On-line ticket gross sales and prepare schedule
The Company disclosed that its on-line reserving portal will reopen by 12 midday on Monday, October 27, 2025, to permit passengers to e-book tickets forward of the resumption date.
Ticket purchases may be made through https://nrc-fane.ng or at designated prepare stations nationwide.
Operations will begin with seven coaches, comprising six customary class coaches and one enterprise class coach. NRC additionally mentioned the prepare timetable, which incorporates momentary velocity restrictions (TSR) for security monitoring, shall be launched on Monday.
The Company expressed appreciation to passengers for his or her persistence in the course of the suspension interval.
“The Company sincerely apologizes to its esteemed passengers and stakeholders for the inconveniences skilled in the course of the interval of suspension and appreciates their persistence and understanding,” it added.
The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, reassured passengers of the NRC’s renewed dedication to secure and dependable companies as full operations resume on the Warri–Itakpe hall.
What it’s best to know
In February 2025, operations have been halted resulting from a technical fault however resumed on February 22.
Earlier, in July 2024, a derailment involving a number of coaches occurred close to Ujevwu, Delta State. Whereas no accidents have been reported, the incident led to a two-day service suspension for upkeep.
