Passengers were left stranded over the weekend as the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) came to an unexpected halt, sparking concerns over the state of the critical rail infrastructure and the silence from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Sources familiar with the development confirmed that train operations have been suspended since Saturday, August 2, without prior notice or official communication from the NRC.
The reasons for the suspension remain unclear, but railway staff at various stations along the corridor hinted at possible technical faults and track integrity concerns, particularly in hilly sections of the route.
Commuters and stakeholders expressed frustration over the abrupt disruption, which affected hundreds of passengers who rely on the route for daily travel between Delta, Edo, and Kogi States.
“We booked for Sunday, but unfortunately, the train did not work. No one told us anything; we got to know on the road. We had to return to Abuja,” said Okonkwo Otuya Rita, a regular passenger on the route.
“To add to it, the portal to book for tickets is currently not displaying coach options anymore. No refunds yet, no updates. Nothing”.
Observers have pointed to longstanding concerns about routine maintenance on the rail line, which passes through a terrain that experts say requires frequent inspection and upkeep.
“The terrain of the Warri-Itakpe corridor, especially the hilly areas, does not support neglect,” said a railway safety analyst who requested anonymity. “It is critical that the tracks are monitored continuously. A lapse in maintenance could lead to serious accidents”.
Adding to passenger concerns is the recurring issue of trains arriving at their final destinations late at night, raising security fears for those alighting in remote locations. Passengers have long appealed for rescheduling or morning train service from Itakpe station and additional security measures to be put in place, but the NRC has yet to implement lasting solutions.
As of press time, the NRC has not issued a formal statement regarding the cause of the suspension or a timeline for resumption. Repeated calls and emails to the corporation’s spokesperson went unanswered.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line, a flagship standard gauge route inaugurated in 2020, has become an essential part of Nigeria’s growing rail network. The current disruption raises serious questions about infrastructure sustainability and the responsiveness of transport authorities.
Analysts are calling for urgent intervention by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and a transparent update from the NRC to avoid further erosion of public trust.
“This isn’t just about one route,” said a civil society advocate. “It’s about confidence in the entire rail system”.