FG Slashes Train Fares by 50% for Eid-el-Kabir 2026 Travellers Nationwide

The Federal Government has announced a 50 percent reduction in train fares across Nigeria ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, in a move aimed at easing transportation costs for millions of travellers during the festive period.

The fare discount, approved through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, will apply to all passenger train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation nationwide.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Funsho Adebiyi, the government said the temporary measure takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, and will run until Monday, June 1, 2026.

“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, has approved a 50% fare discount on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the statement read.

The ministry explained that passengers travelling within the period will pay half of the existing approved ticket fares on all NRC routes across the country.

It also disclosed that commuters who purchased tickets before the announcement would not be left out of the initiative. According to the ministry, affected passengers will receive a 50 percent rebate which can be reused for train trips on or before June 1.

“Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50% rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1, 2026,” the statement added.

Despite the fare reduction, authorities confirmed that train schedules and operational timetables would remain unchanged throughout the holiday period.

The announcement comes as travellers have begun moving across major cities, including Lagos, ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festivities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, as public holidays to mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

President Bola Tinubu, in his Eid message to Nigerians, called for national unity and assured citizens that his administration remains committed to improving security and stabilising the economy.

To boost road safety during the celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kwara State also announced the deployment of 950 personnel, including officers, marshals and emergency responders, across the state.