Nigerian Railway Corporation considers fare increase due to rising operational costs

This consideration follows the expiration of a 50 percent Eid-el-Kabir train fare discount offered by the Federal Government. The corporation faces significant financial pressure from rising expenses in fuel, maintenance, security, personnel, spare parts, and infrastructure management. Spending on diesel alone exceeded N1.2bn in April 2026.

Officials indicate that the current pricing structure is unsustainable, and the corporation is also contending with increased maintenance costs for locomotives, coaches, tracks, and signaling systems, as well as the soaring cost of imported spare parts. Vandalism and attacks on railway infrastructure further strain finances, particularly on routes like Abuja-Kaduna. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, acknowledged the cost pressures but affirmed the corporation's commitment to affordable rail transportation and alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.