Sallah Surprise: Osun Indigenes Get Free Train Ride From Lagos

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has unveiled plans to offer free rail transportation from Lagos to Osogbo as part of arrangements for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, in collaboration with the Osun State Government.

According to Ireporter Online, the initiative, announced on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, is targeted at indigenes of Osun State who intend to travel home for the festive period. The corporation’s spokesperson disclosed that the special train service, branded the Imole Special Service, will operate along the narrow-gauge corridor from Iddo in Lagos directly to Osogbo.

The report indicated that the Osun State Government will bear the full cost of the initiative, while the Nigerian Railway Corporation will oversee operations, logistics, and technical support to ensure a seamless journey for passengers.

In addition to the free service, the corporation has put measures in place to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic nationwide during the holiday. Extra trips have been scheduled across key routes to accommodate increased demand.

On the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, three trips have been slated for March 19, with departures from Ebute Metta at different intervals throughout the day, while return services from Moniya in Ibadan will also run at scheduled times. For passengers traveling between Abuja and Kaduna, two trips will be available on March 19, rising to three daily services from March 20 through March 23.

Meanwhile, the Warri–Itakpe route will maintain its regular schedule of three weekly trips, with one day reserved for maintenance, while operations on the Port Harcourt–Aba line will continue uninterrupted throughout the festive period.

The corporation reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and efficient service delivery, urging Nigerians to take advantage of the available train services during the celebrations.