The Federal Government has approved a 50 percent reduction in fares on all passenger train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ease travel during the 2026 Eid-al-Adha (Sallah) celebrations, amid public debate over the absence of free train services for the festive period.
The decision was announced by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, barely hours after the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) criticised the administration over what it described as unequal treatment in the provision of holiday transport incentives.
According to the ministry, the fare reduction takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and will remain in place until Monday, June 1, 2026, covering peak travel days associated with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
It stated that the 50 percent discount applies across all NRC-operated passenger routes nationwide, including the Lagos–Ibadan, Abuja–Kaduna, and Warri–Itakpe corridors, as well as other narrow-gauge services in Lagos and Ogun States.
The ministry further explained that passengers who had already purchased tickets at the previous rates would not be disadvantaged, as they are entitled to a 50 percent rebate, which can be used for future train journeys within the validity period ending June 1, 2026.
It also clarified that train schedules and timetables will remain unchanged throughout the festive period despite the fare reduction.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their continued patronage of rail services and extended Eid-al-Adha greetings to Muslim faithful and other passengers across the country.
Meanwhile, the development came shortly after MURIC issued a statement titled “Why Is There No Free Train Ride For Sallah?”, in which the group questioned why free or subsidised train services are routinely offered during Christmas and Easter periods but not during Sallah.
The Islamic rights organisation, led by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, argued that the inconsistency in government transport interventions raises concerns about fairness and inclusivity in national policy implementation, particularly in relation to religious holidays.
MURIC also noted that while increased train operations were introduced for the Sallah period, the absence of free or fully subsidised rides contrasted with previous festive arrangements.
While acknowledging that free train services remain a government privilege rather than a right, the group maintained that consistency in policy would strengthen public trust and promote interfaith harmony.
The Federal Government has not issued any further clarification beyond the announced 50 percent fare reduction as of the time of filing this report.
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