The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that while the technical faults affecting the Warri-Itakpe Train Services (WITS) have been successfully repaired, operations will remain suspended to allow for additional safety measures and system improvements.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NRC explained that the initial suspension, which commenced on 10 April 2025, was prompted by operational issues that posed significant risks to both passenger safety and service reliability.
Although engineers have now resolved the primary faults, the corporation stated that further time is required to implement safety redundancies and procedural upgrades designed to ensure long-term operational efficiency and an enhanced customer experience.
NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, emphasised the importance of aligning the corporation’s services with international standards.
“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 management of the Corporation, under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, wishes to further clarify that while the major technical issues has 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 statement read in part.
This extended suspension period will enable the NRC to carry out upgrades to operational procedures and bolster the safety protocols for equipment deployed on the Warri-Itakpe line.
The NRC expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience and reiterated its commitment to restoring services on the corridor as soon as the necessary improvements are finalised. Passengers were encouraged to stay informed through the corporation’s official channels, with safety and operational standards remaining top priorities.
The suspension was initially scheduled to last 72 hours following multiple engine failures on 9 April, but it remains in effect despite the resolution of the immediate technical issues.
This marks the latest in a string of service interruptions on the Warri-Itakpe route. In February 2025, a technical fault caused a temporary halt in operations, which resumed on 22 February. Prior to that, in July 2024, a derailment involving several coaches occurred near Ujevwu in Delta State. While no injuries were recorded, the incident led to a two-day service suspension for repairs.