THE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended passenger services on the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor, citing the need for urgent maintenance works on the line.
In a statement on Thursday made available to News Point Nigeria, NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the decision, stressing that the suspension is temporary and aimed at ensuring safer and more reliable train operations.
“Port Harcourt to Aba train services have been suspended for routine maintenance. Regular train services will resume on the 9th of September 2025. We regret all inconveniences,” Opeifa said.
The announcement leaves hundreds of daily passengers between Rivers and Abia States without rail transport options for the coming days, forcing many to resort to road travel amid concerns of rising transportation costs and insecurity along highways.
The suspension comes barely a month after the NRC halted the Abuja–Kaduna train service following a derailment incident at Asham station. That accident, involving a Kaduna-bound train carrying 618 passengers, left seven people injured and renewed public debate about the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
The NRC management said ongoing reviews of its operations are being prioritised to prevent further incidents, insisting that temporary shutdowns are necessary to maintain operational safety.
The Port Harcourt–Aba line, part of the Eastern rail corridor, has in recent months grown in importance for traders, commuters, and businesses linking the South-South to the South-East.
The temporary shutdown is expected to affect trade flows, especially between Port Harcourt’s bustling markets and Aba’s manufacturing hub.
Passengers have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the decision as a safety precaution, while others fear the disruption will further strain their daily activities and increase travel risks.
Despite recent challenges, Dr. Opeifa assured that the NRC remains committed to overhauling its services through ongoing reforms, including tighter maintenance schedules, restructuring of management, and increased investment in safety infrastructure.
The corporation also appealed for public understanding, reiterating that the temporary inconvenience would ultimately lead to safer and more efficient services for Nigerians.
