The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of the Warri-Itakpe train service to enable engineers carry out critical safety and operational assessments along the rail corridor.
Key Highlights:
- NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train service over operational concerns.
- Engineers to conduct critical safety and technical assessments.
- Corporation assures passengers normal operations will resume soon.
- Date for resumption expected to be announced before the end of the week.
- Warri-Itakpe rail corridor remains one of Nigeria’s busiest standard gauge routes.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation disclosed that the suspension of operations on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) followed technical advice from its engineering team and ongoing operational exigencies affecting the corridor.
In a statement issued on Monday by the corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC explained that the temporary shutdown was necessary to ensure passenger safety, operational reliability, and improved service delivery.
According to the statement, engineers are currently conducting “critical operational assessments” on the rail line as part of efforts to address emerging technical and operational challenges.
The corporation, however, did not specify the exact technical faults responsible for the suspension or indicate how long the disruption would last.
The Warri-Itakpe train service had only resumed operations on October 29, 2025, after months of earlier suspension, making the latest disruption another setback for passengers relying on the corridor for inter-state transportation.
Despite the temporary suspension, the NRC assured travellers and stakeholders that work was ongoing to resolve the identified issues within the shortest possible time.
The corporation further stated that passengers and intending travellers would be informed before the end of the week about the official date for the resumption of train services.
“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.
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The NRC also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the operational disruption and appealed for public understanding while engineers complete the safety review process.
The Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line, which links Delta State to Kogi State, has become one of Nigeria’s most important rail corridors, serving thousands of passengers travelling between the South-South and North-Central regions.
The latest suspension adds to growing concerns over repeated operational disruptions affecting rail transportation across Nigeria, including delays linked to technical faults, infrastructure limitations, and security-related challenges on some corridors.
