FG Approves 50% Train Fare Cut for Christmas and New Year Travel

The Federal Government has approved a 50 percent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease travel costs for Nigerians during the 2025 Christmas and New Year festive season. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) began implementing the discounted fares from December 23, 2025, with the special rate running through January 4, 2026 as part of efforts to support affordable mobility during the yuletide period.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director and CEO of the NRC, said the fare cut has already drawn significant passenger turnout along major rail corridors, including Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna, as travellers take advantage of the lower prices to reunite with family and friends.

According to the NRC, the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to reduce transportation costs at a time when other travel options, such as air and road transport, typically experience steep price increases during the holiday rush. Opeifa emphasised that both standard-gauge and narrow-gauge services are covered by the discount, and that enhanced arrangements are in place to ensure safety, security and smooth operations amid the surge in festive demand.

Passengers have largely welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and economically relieving particularly for families and group travellers as they prepare for year-end journeys.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola