Federal Government announces 50% train fare discount on NRC routes nationwide for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has approved a 50 per cent reduction in fares on all passenger train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ease transportation costs during the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

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The temporary train fare discount will take effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026, until Monday, June 1, 2026.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi.

Under the arrangement, passengers travelling on NRC routes nationwide will pay half of the current approved fares throughout the six-day period.

According to the ministry, the initiative forms part of efforts by the Federal Government to make travel more affordable for Nigerians during the Muslim festive season.

“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, has approved a 50 per cent fare discount on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” Adebiyi stated.

The ministry further explained that passengers who had already purchased tickets before the announcement would also benefit from the train fare discount through a rebate system.

“Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 per cent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1, 2026,” the statement added.

Despite the fare reduction, the ministry confirmed that train schedules and operational timetables would remain unchanged throughout the festive period.

Officials said the move is expected to provide relief for travellers amid rising transportation costs across the country ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation also appreciated Nigerians for their continued patronage of the rail transport system and extended goodwill messages to Muslim faithful nationwide.

“The Federal Ministry of Transportation appreciates the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Eid Mubarak,” the statement read.

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The train fare discount announcement comes as millions of Nigerians prepare to travel for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities following the Federal Government’s declaration of public holidays for the celebration.