NRC Suspends Warri-Itakpe Train Operations

By Babatunji Wusu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has temporarily halted operations on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what it described as operational and technical concerns requiring urgent attention.

The suspension comes barely six months after the train service resumed operations on October 29, 2025, following an earlier shutdown.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, explained that the temporary suspension would allow engineers to carry out important operational assessments along the rail corridor.

According to the corporation, the move aims to improve safety, service reliability, and overall operational efficiency on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service route.

The NRC, however, did not provide details about the exact technical problems behind the suspension or how long the disruption would continue.

Despite the uncertainty, the corporation assured passengers and stakeholders that engineers and technical teams are working to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. Officials also promised to announce the date for the return of normal services before the end of the week.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period,” the statement added.

The Warri-Itakpe Train Service remains one of Nigeria’s major standard gauge rail routes, linking Delta and Kogi states. Over the years, the corridor has become increasingly popular among passengers travelling between southern and north-central parts of the country.

The latest disruption adds to several operational challenges affecting rail transportation in Nigeria. Previous reports have highlighted delays and service interruptions caused by technical faults, infrastructure issues, and security concerns on different rail corridors nationwide.