NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe rail service for 72 hours after multiple train engine failures 

The disruption began around 1:38 pm and affected both the 8:00 am train from Warri and the 2:00 pm service from Itakpe.

Emergency recovery operations were immediately launched but were also hampered by another engine failure during the recovery process.

The disclosure was contained in a statement released on Thursday by Henrietta Eregare, Public Relations Officer for the NRC, noting that the 72-hour suspension is to allow for a full audit, the resolution of all identified issues, and the restoration of safe and reliable service.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to inform the general public and our valued passengers that a significant disruption occurred on the Warri-Itakpe rail line on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, due to multiple technical issues involving a train engine failure,” the statement read in part.

It added, “In view of the situation, the NRC has suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe route for 72 hours. This paise will allow our technical team to conduct a full audit, resolve all identified issues, and restore safe and reliable service.” 

According to the statement, all passengers were safely evacuated from the affected train with the assistance of road transport and adequate security. The evacuation took place approximately 500 meters from the track, though some passengers chose to make their own transportation arrangements due to delays—an action the NRC said it understands.

The statement indicated that passengers holding tickets for the disrupted services were eligible for a full refund or could revalidate their tickets for future trips, depending on their preference.

This incident marked yet another challenge for the NRC as it continues working to build public trust in its expanding network of standard gauge rail lines across the country.

The Warri-Itakpe rail service has experienced multiple suspensions and resumptions in recent months due to various issues.

Similar incidents—ranging from derailments and locomotive failures to washouts and collisions—have also been reported on other railway routes across the country.