Prosper Okoye
Nigerian Railway Corporation announced on Tuesday that it is expanding the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service to meet growing passenger demand along one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
The move comes nearly four years after a March 2022 bomb blast along the line and a derailment in August 2025, incidents that disrupted operations and forced the corporation to reduce rolling stock and introduce temporary speed restrictions. At the height of the disruption, only one train was operating on the route.
The corporation said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the revised timetable, effective from March 6, 2026, will increase the number of trips on Fridays, Sundays, Saturdays, and Mondays, while maintaining two trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“With stability now restored and in response to sustained passenger demand, the Corporation has expanded services to better meet commuters’ expectations,” said Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation’s chief public relations officer.
Passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa will now benefit from multiple daily trips, with trains stopping at key stations including Kubwa. The schedule has been structured to provide departures in the morning, midday, and late afternoon to accommodate commuter needs.
Analysts say the expansion reflects growing pressure on Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, particularly the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, which connects the capital to northern states and has seen increasing demand from commuters and business travellers.
The Abuja–Kaduna line has become a lifeline for residents seeking a safer alternative to road travel, which has been plagued by banditry and frequent accidents. Since the resumption of normal operations, the railway has reported a steady increase in passenger volumes, prompting the current expansion.
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The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to improving safety, reliability, and passenger experience across its network, while urging travellers to plan according to the new timetable.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
