The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) conducted weeks of thorough inspections, safety checks, and employee training before the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) formally commenced operations on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
After leaving Abuja’s Idu Station, the first train made a stop at Kubwa to collect passengers before making it to Kaduna’s Rigasa Station. The full resumption of passenger train operations on the corridor was marked by the scheduling of a return trip for the same day.
On behalf of the management, Callistus Unyimadu, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, issued a statement confirming this.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, accompanied travelers and employees on the first journey.
He was there to observe the resume ride firsthand and contribute to restoring public trust in the service.
After arriving in Rigasa, Dr. Opeifa spoke to reporters, expressing his satisfaction and thanking God Almighty for His blessing during the company’s recuperation.
He emphasized the importance of a contemporary railway network in promoting national growth and unity, pointing out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s GCFR administration had made significant investments in rail infrastructure nationwide.
By prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects, optimizing the nation’s rail assets, restoring all serviceable rolling stock, expanding services, enhancing customer satisfaction, and modernizing operations and efficiency, especially along the AKTS corridor, the NRC chief reaffirmed his commitment to turning around the Corporation’s fortunes.
He said that in order to enhance service delivery and immediately handle passenger problems, a specialized Customer Service Department has been established.
Regarding safety, Dr. Opeifa informed employees and passengers of the company’s steadfast dedication to welfare and security.
He added that covert but efficient security procedures have been implemented to protect all parties involved, in addition to the obvious presence of police and military officers in stations and along the route.
Dr. Opeifa reiterated his commitment to establishing the NRC as a premier, passenger-friendly service provider that can propel socioeconomic development by establishing contemporary, secure, and effective rail transportation networks across the country.
