Train service on the Warri-Itakpe route suspended again as NRC battles persistent technical issues.
Passengers left in limbo while repairs continue, amid rising concerns over rail safety and reliability.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of train operations along the Warri-Itakpe corridor due to unresolved technical issues.
In a statement issued on Wednesday via its official X account, the NRC announced that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service was suspended on Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to enable its engineering team to address technical faults.
“The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) regrets to inform the general public and our esteemed passengers that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service was cancelled and temporarily suspended… due to unforeseen technical challenges,” the statement read.
While the Corporation indicated that efforts were underway to restore operations, it did not specify whether services would resume on Thursday, July 17, leaving uncertainty about the current status of the rail line.
The Warri-Itakpe Railway is a vital 326-kilometre standard-gauge rail line connecting Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State. It plays a key role in passenger travel and freight transport across Nigeria’s southern and central regions.
However, the corridor has witnessed several disruptions over the past year:
- July 2024: A derailment near Ujevwu in Delta State led to a two-day suspension. Though no injuries were reported, the incident raised safety concerns.
- February 2025: Technical faults forced a temporary shutdown, with operations resuming on February 22 after repairs.
- April 10, 2025: The line was shut for 72 hours following repeated engine failures. Repairs and safety upgrades were carried out before services resumed.
- June 2025: Viral footage showing removed rail clips caused public alarm. The NRC assured passengers that it was an isolated case discovered during a routine inspection and had been resolved.
These recurring issues have fueled public calls for enhanced safety measures, better infrastructure maintenance, and increased government oversight of railway operations.
The NRC urged passengers to stay updated through its verified communication platforms and assured that restoration efforts were being treated as a priority.
As of press time, it remains unclear when full operations will resume on the route.
