NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe rail service for 72 hours after a number of prepare engine failures
The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) has suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe normal gauge rail line for 72 hours following a serious disruption brought on by a number of engine failures on Tuesday, April 9, 2025.
The disruption started round 1:38 pm and affected each the 8:00 am prepare from Warri and the two:00 pm service from Itakpe.
Emergency restoration operations had been instantly launched however had been additionally hampered by one other engine failure throughout the restoration course of.
The disclosure was contained in a press release launched on Thursday by Henrietta Eregare, Public Relations Officer for the NRC, noting that the 72-hour suspension is to permit for a full audit, the decision of all recognized points, and the restoration of secure and dependable service.
“The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) needs to tell most people and our valued passengers {that a} important disruption occurred on the Warri-Itakpe rail line on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, as a result of a number of technical points involving a prepare engine failure,” the assertion learn partly.
It added, “In view of the scenario, the NRC has suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe route for 72 hours. This paise will permit our technical group to conduct a full audit, resolve all recognized points, and restore secure and dependable service.”
Based on the assertion, all passengers had been safely evacuated from the affected prepare with the help of highway transport and enough safety. The evacuation occurred roughly 500 meters from the observe, although some passengers selected to make their very own transportation preparations as a result of delays—an motion the NRC stated it understands.
Extra insights
The assertion indicated that passengers holding tickets for the disrupted companies had been eligible for a full refund or may revalidate their tickets for future journeys, relying on their choice.
- The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) stated refund and revalidation processes had been accessible by way of its on-line platforms, customer support traces, and prepare stations.
- The company acknowledged the disruption, accepted full accountability, and reaffirmed its dedication to passenger security and dependable rail companies. It emphasised that efforts had been ongoing to revive regular operations as shortly as attainable.
This incident marked yet one more problem for the NRC because it continues working to construct public belief in its increasing community of normal gauge rail traces throughout the nation.
What you need to know
The Warri-Itakpe rail service has skilled a number of suspensions and resumptions in latest months as a result of varied points.
- In February 2025, the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) halted operations following a technical fault however resumed service on Saturday, February 22.
- Earlier, in July 2024, a number of coaches derailed at Ujevwu close to Abraka in Delta State. Although no casualties had been recorded, the incident prompted a two-day suspension for technical upkeep.
Related incidents—starting from derailments and locomotive failures to washouts and collisions—have additionally been reported on different railway routes throughout the nation.
