The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in passenger train fares across all services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (Nigerian Railway Corporation) as part of measures to ease transportation pressure during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
The decision, announced through the Federal Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday, is aimed at reducing the cost burden on Nigerians travelling by rail during the festive period, when interstate movement typically increases.
According to the ministry, the discounted fares officially took effect on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and will remain valid until Monday, June 1, 2026, covering the peak holiday travel window.
Rebate for Early Ticket Buyers
Authorities further explained that passengers who had already purchased tickets before the announcement will not be left out of the relief package.
Such travellers are expected to receive a 50 per cent rebate, which can be applied to future train journeys within the stipulated period.
The ministry clarified that while fares have been reduced, train operations and schedules would continue without any alteration throughout the duration of the intervention.
The ministry described the initiative as part of broader efforts to make transportation more affordable during national holidays, particularly as many Nigerians travel to reunite with families for religious celebrations.
The ministry also commended citizens for their patience and cooperation, while extending goodwill messages to Muslim faithful observing the Eid-el-Kabir celebration across the country.
In a related development, the Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Islamic festival, also known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice.
The holiday announcement, alongside the rail fare reduction, has triggered increased travel activity across major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, as residents move to their hometowns for the celebrations.
To ensure safer road movement during the period, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed personnel across various states, including Kwara, where hundreds of officers and emergency responders have been assigned to highways to manage traffic and respond to incidents.
President Bola Tinubu, in his Eid message, urged Nigerians to embrace unity, sacrifice, and compassion, noting that ongoing economic and security reforms are gradually yielding positive outcomes for the country.
Eid-el-Kabir remains one of the most important Islamic festivals, marked by prayers, charity, and family gatherings across Nigeria and the world.
