Port Harcourt-Aba train service suspended

Port Harcourt, Rivers – The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a temporary suspension of train services along the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor, effective immediately, to conduct routine maintenance on the rail line.

The suspension, which has sparked concerns among passengers, is set to last until September 9, 2025, when regular operations are expected to resume.

In a statement issued on Friday, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa emphasized that the maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the 62-kilometer narrow-gauge railway, a critical transport link between Rivers and Abia States.

“Port Harcourt to Aba train services suspended for routine maintenance. To resume regular train services on the 9th of September 2025. We regret all inconveniences,” the statement read.

The Port Harcourt-Aba route, part of the broader Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway project, has become a vital lifeline for traders and low-income commuters in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.

Launched in July 2025 after extensive rehabilitation, the service has seen a surge in usage due to rising road transport costs and insecurity on regional highways.

The line operates Tuesday to Saturday, with trains departing Port Harcourt at 8:00 a.m. and returning from Aba at 3:00 p.m., offering affordable fares of N1,500 for first class and N800 for standard class.

However, the sudden suspension has raised concerns among passengers, with some fearing it may signal deeper operational or safety issues.

The route’s importance for regional commerce has made the disruption particularly inconvenient, prompting criticism from commuters who rely on the service as a safer and more economical alternative to road travel.

This suspension follows a challenging period for the NRC, which recently halted services on the Abuja-Kaduna route after a derailment on August 26, 2025, involving 618 passengers.

That incident, which left 20 passengers injured, including nine critically, has shaken public confidence in Nigeria’s rail network.

The NRC is currently investigating the derailment in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, with Dr. Opeifa denying claims of poor train conditions and affirming support for affected passengers.

The Port Harcourt-Aba line, modernized as part of a $3 billion agreement with Chinese financiers, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s rail revitalization efforts.

Rehabilitation of the corridor, which began in 2022 and was completed in 2024, included track laying, station upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to support both passenger and freight services.

The Federal Government has also outlined plans to extend the line to Enugu and connect it to Onne and Port Harcourt seaports to boost commercial activity.

While the NRC has assured passengers that the current suspension is temporary and aimed at maintaining safety standards, analysts warn that repeated disruptions across Nigeria’s rail network could undermine confidence in the country’s ambitious rail modernization program.

The suspension of services on other routes, such as Warri-Itakpe and Abuja-Kaduna, has further highlighted the fragility of the system, with concerns about vandalism, aging infrastructure, and the need for sustainable maintenance frameworks.

The NRC has apologized for the inconvenience and urged passengers to bear with the corporation as it works to restore services.

As Nigeria continues to invest heavily in its rail infrastructure, the public and industry watchers are calling for swift action to address operational challenges and ensure the reliability of this critical transport network.