The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed last week’s disruption of its Port Harcourt–Aba service to a technical fault, and assured passengers affected that they will be refunded.
In a statement on Monday, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa said the train developed problems at Imo River on Wednesday, September 3, while en route from Aba to Port Harcourt.
“Despite the best efforts of our engineers to revive the locomotive, the fault persisted,” Opeifa said. “Consequently, an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was quickly deployed to rescue the stranded train. While some passengers chose to find alternative routes to their destinations, others were conveyed back safely.”
Videos had earlier circulated online showing commuters trekking long distances and crossing a stream after abandoning the halted service.
The NRC said the faulty locomotive had since been returned to Port Harcourt for repairs and that normal services on the route would resume on Tuesday, September 9.
Affected passengers are advised to visit NRC stations in Port Harcourt or Aba with proof of payment to obtain either a refund or a replacement ticket.
Reassuring the public, Opeifa stressed the corporation’s commitment to upgrading services under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The present NRC management remains committed to transforming the corporation, ensuring safer, more reliable, and customer-friendly rail services across the country,” he said.
