Despite resolving the technical issues that initially disrupted services on the Warri-Itakpe rail line, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that operations will remain suspended to allow for further safety and service improvements.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NRC clarified that while engineers have addressed the core technical faults, more time is needed to implement safety redundancies and operational upgrades to enhance long-term efficiency and passenger experience.
“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) temporarily suspended full rail services on the Warri Itakpe Train Services (WITS) on Thursday, 10th April, 2025, due to some technical and operational issues for safety, better customer service experience, and improved operational efficiencies,” the statement said.
NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, stressed that the decision to extend the suspension aligns with the corporation’s goal of meeting global best practices in rail service delivery. “While the major technical issues have been resolved by our technical team, additional time is required to implement necessary redundancies that will support sustainable operations,” he added.
The NRC emphasized that its technical team is working diligently to make procedural upgrades and reinforce the safety systems of equipment used along the Warri-Itakpe corridor.
Passengers were thanked for their patience and advised to stay updated through official NRC communication channels. The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to restoring services with improved reliability and safety.
The service suspension, originally set for 72 hours following multiple engine failures on April 9, has now been extended beyond the initial timeframe. It marks the latest in a series of service disruptions on the line, including a derailment near Ujevwu, Delta State, in July 2024, and another technical halt in February 2025.
NRC’s continued efforts underscore the importance of sustainable rail operations in Nigeria’s growing transportation sector.
