NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe rail service for 72 hours after a number of practice engine failures 

The disruption started round 1:38 pm and affected each the 8:00 am practice from Warri and the two:00 pm service from Itakpe.

Emergency restoration operations have been instantly launched however have been additionally hampered by one other engine failure throughout the restoration course of.

The disclosure was contained in an announcement launched on Thursday by Henrietta Eregare, Public Relations Officer for the NRC, noting that the 72-hour suspension is to permit for a full audit, the decision of all recognized points, and the restoration of protected and dependable service.

“The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) needs to tell most people and our valued passengers {that a} vital disruption occurred on the Warri-Itakpe rail line on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, attributable to a number of technical points involving a practice engine failure,” the assertion learn partially.

It added, “In view of the scenario, the NRC has suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe route for 72 hours. This paise will permit our technical workforce to conduct a full audit, resolve all recognized points, and restore protected and dependable service.” 

In accordance with the assertion, all passengers have been safely evacuated from the affected practice with the help of street transport and ample safety. The evacuation passed off roughly 500 meters from the observe, although some passengers selected to make their very own transportation preparations attributable to delays—an motion the NRC stated it understands.

Extra insights 

The assertion indicated that passengers holding tickets for the disrupted companies have been eligible for a full refund or might revalidate their tickets for future journeys, relying on their desire.

• The Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) stated refund and revalidation processes have been accessible by way of its on-line platforms, customer support strains, and practice stations.
• The company acknowledged the disruption, accepted full accountability, and reaffirmed its dedication to passenger security and dependable rail companies. It emphasised that efforts have been ongoing to revive regular operations as rapidly as doable.

This incident marked yet one more problem for the NRC because it continues working to construct public belief in its increasing community of normal gauge rail strains throughout the nation.

What it’s best to know 

The Warri-Itakpe rail service has skilled a number of suspensions and resumptions in latest months attributable to varied points.

• In February 2025, the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) halted operations following a technical fault however resumed service on Saturday, February 22.
• Earlier, in July 2024, a number of coaches derailed at Ujevwu close to Abraka in Delta State. Although no casualties have been recorded, the incident prompted a two-day suspension for technical upkeep.

Related incidents—starting from derailments and locomotive failures to washouts and collisions—have additionally been reported on different railway routes throughout the nation.