Tinubu Approves 50% Train Fare Discount for Eid-el-Kabir Travelers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 50 percent reduction in train fares across all passenger services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Eko Hot News reports that the fare discount was announced through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and will take effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026, until Monday, June 1, 2026.

According to the Federal Government, the initiative is designed to support Nigerians traveling across different parts of the country for the Sallah festivities amid current economic challenges and rising transportation costs.

The Ministry disclosed that passengers who purchased train tickets before the announcement at full price would also benefit from the intervention through a 50 percent rebate that can be used for future train journeys.

Authorities confirmed that existing train schedules across NRC routes would remain unchanged during the discount period despite expectations of increased passenger turnout nationwide.

Travelers have, however, been advised to arrive early at train stations to avoid delays and manage anticipated congestion during the festive travel period.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has continued to expand rail operations in recent years through the introduction of standard-gauge rail lines connecting major cities and commercial hubs across the country.

Despite ongoing railway modernization projects, rail transportation still accounts for a relatively small percentage of movement within Nigeria when compared to road transportation, which remains the dominant means of travel for millions of citizens.

Industry reports indicate that the NRC transported approximately 3.2 million passengers in 2022, with passenger numbers witnessing gradual growth following investments in rail infrastructure and new train services.

Public reactions to the government’s announcement have been mixed across social media platforms and public discussions.

While many Nigerians welcomed the temporary fare reduction as a positive relief measure during the festive season, others described the intervention as insufficient considering the wider economic pressures currently affecting households and travelers.

Some critics argued that the impact of the discount may be limited because railway services currently cover only selected routes and cities, leaving a large number of Nigerians dependent on road transportation.

Others called on the Federal Government to implement broader economic relief measures, including fuel price reductions, improved road security, lower food prices, and stronger interventions to address inflation and the rising cost of living.

Security concerns on major highways have also remained a major issue for many travelers, particularly during festive periods when road traffic increases significantly across the country.

Nevertheless, the Federal Government encouraged Nigerians with access to rail services to take advantage of the discounted fares while extending goodwill messages to Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The move forms part of efforts by the Tinubu administration to provide temporary relief and improve public transportation accessibility during one of the country’s major religious festivities.