The Federal Government has announced a 50 per cent reduction in train fares on all passenger services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The decision, communicated in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, is aimed at easing transportation costs for Nigerians travelling during the festive season.
According to the ministry, the fare reduction took effect on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and will remain valid until Monday, June 1, 2026. During this period, passengers on all NRC train routes across the country will pay half of the approved fare. The government said the measure is part of its broader effort to support travellers and reduce the financial burden associated with holiday movement.
The ministry also said passengers who bought tickets before the announcement would not be excluded from the benefit. Instead, such travellers will receive a 50 per cent rebate that can be reused for train travel on or before Monday, June 1, 2026. This arrangement is intended to ensure that early ticket buyers also gain from the temporary subsidy.
While the fares have been reduced, the Federal Ministry of Transportation clarified that train schedules and timetables will remain unchanged throughout the discount period. The ministry urged Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative and wished Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The announcement comes at a time when travel activity has already begun to increase across the country, including in Lagos, as people make plans to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic celebrations and is observed by Muslims around the world.
In addition to the train fare reduction, the Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays for the Eid-ul-Adha celebration. President Bola Tinubu, in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message, called for unity among Nigerians and expressed confidence in improved security and economic conditions.
As part of security and safety measures during the festive season, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara State Sector Command, said it deployed 950 personnel across the state. The deployment includes officers, marshals, special marshals and first responders, all tasked with helping to ensure safer roads and smoother movement for travellers during the holiday period.
