The Nigerian Railway Corporation is to run an end-of-the-year special train service on all its routes across the country.

The train service complies with the Federal Government’s directive through the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

The NRC in a statement by its Deputy Director, Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, on Wednesday, said the modality for the special service would be released soon.

Recall that The PUNCH exclusively reported on Sunday that the government was planning discounted travel trips during the upcoming Yuletide period, ensuring that citizens across the country can benefit from affordable transportation options as they travel to visit family, friends, and loved ones during the festive season.

The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Transport Ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, confirmed the plan for the upcoming festivities but didn’t reveal details of the discount percentage to be offered.

Last year the government declared the government approved a 50 per cent discount for inter-state road travel and 100 per cent for train trips for Nigerians travelling to celebrate Christmas with their families.

The discount price, which took effect from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, benefitted no fewer than 112,000 passengers, according to the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria.

The statement read, “The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, hereby informs the general public that the NRC shall operate end-of-the-year special train services in commemoration of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“This end-of-the-year special train service on scheduled passenger trains is part of the government’s gesture towards an enjoyable end-of-the-year celebration.

“Dates and modalities of the end-of-the-year Special Train Service shall be communicated in due course. We wish all our esteemed customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.”