NRC Halts Port Harcourt–Aba Train Services for Scheduled Maintenance, to Resume September 9

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has temporarily suspended its passenger train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor to carry out scheduled maintenance. According to the management of the corporation, operations will resume on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after the completion of the maintenance exercise. The announcement was made in an official statement issued by the NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who explained that the suspension was necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of train operations on the route. The corporation apologized for any inconveniences caused by the temporary shutdown and urged commuters to bear with the management as it works to improve service delivery. The Port Harcourt–Aba route, which was reopened to passengers earlier this year following extensive rehabilitation works, has quickly become a major means of transportation for traders, commuters, and business operators in Rivers and Abia States. Offering affordable fares and a relatively faster alternative to road travel, the corridor has been hailed as a vital link for commerce in the South-East and South-South regions. Despite its importance, the service has faced occasional challenges. Earlier in the week, passengers reported being stranded after a train allegedly developed a fault near the Imo River axis, sparking concerns over operational reliability. Although the NRC’s latest announcement describes the disruption as part of a planned maintenance exercise, the incident has once again highlighted the pressing need for consistent investment in rail infrastructure to avoid breakdowns that inconvenience travelers. Stakeholders in the transport sector have emphasized the need for the NRC to sustain efficiency on newly reopened lines. A transport analyst in Aba noted that disruptions, no matter how brief, have economic consequences. “Many traders depend on the train to move goods daily between Port Harcourt and Aba. Even short suspensions can affect their business operations and increase costs,” he said. The corporation has assured that services will resume as scheduled on September 9 and encouraged passengers to monitor updates on its official communication channels. Meanwhile, commuters who had planned to travel during the suspension period are advised to make alternative arrangements by road. The Port Harcourt–Aba service is part of the broader Eastern Railway rehabilitation project, which is expected to restore full train services across the South-East and parts of the South-South. As the NRC works to improve and expand its operations, many commuters are hopeful that maintenance exercises such as this will enhance safety and reduce future disruptions, ensuring the railway remains a reliable mode of transportation.