The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the continued suspension of the Warri-Itakpe Train Services (WITS) despite the resolution of the technical faults that initially prompted the disruption. In a statement released by the corporation, the NRC explained that operations would remain suspended to allow for further upgrades aimed at enhancing safety, reliability, and overall service delivery.
The initial suspension, declared on April 10, 2025, was due to multiple engine failures that occurred a day earlier, leading to what the NRC described as risks to passenger safety and service reliability. Although the suspension was originally intended to last 72 hours, the NRC has opted to extend it to implement additional safety redundancies and system improvements.
This marks the latest in a string of service disruptions on the Warri-Itakpe corridor. In February 2025, services were temporarily halted due to a technical issue and resumed on February 22. More notably, in July 2024, a derailment near Ujevwu in Delta State led to a two-day suspension, although no injuries were reported.
While the technical issues from the latest incident have been addressed, the NRC emphasized that more time is needed to align operations with global best practices. According to NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the decision reflects a commitment to sustainable and safe railway operations.
“The general public will recall that the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) temporarily suspended full rail services on the Warri Itakpe Train Services (WITS), on Thursday, 10th April, 2025, due to some technical and operational issues for safety, better customer service experience, and improved operational efficiencies,” the statement said. “While the major technical issues have been resolved by our technical team, additional time is required to implement necessary redundancies that will support sustainable operations in line with best practices.”
The NRC urged passengers to stay informed through its official communication channels and reiterated its dedication to restoring services with enhanced efficiency. The corporation also expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding as it works to deliver a more reliable and secure railway system.