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The Federal Government has approved a 50 percent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease travel costs during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

Opeifa said the fare reduction took effect on Tuesday and has already recorded a high passenger turnout across major railway corridors.

“At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna routes, as well as key narrow-gauge corridors, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50 percent discount initiative,” he said.

He said the festive rail service will run from December 23 to January 4, 2026, during which passengers will enjoy a 50 percent discount on train fares nationwide.

“This is to ease the cost of festive travel during the yuletide period,” Opeifa said.

The NRC Managing Director said many passengers have commended the initiative, describing it as timely and economically relieving, particularly for families and group travellers seeking to reunite with loved ones.

He said the fare reduction aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a people-focused intervention aimed at reducing transportation costs and promoting inclusive mobility.

Opeifa assured passengers of the corporation’s readiness to sustain safe, efficient and customer-focused services throughout the festive season.

He said both standard-gauge and narrow-gauge train services are fully operational nationwide.

“It will come with enhanced security, safety and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 percent discount offer,” he said.

Opeifa advised passengers on standard-gauge routes to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while those on narrow-gauge services should purchase tickets directly at designated railway stations.

He said the NRC remains committed to seamless festive operations and urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys during the yuletide period.