Lagos-Kano train service begins Friday

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) would begin the Lagos-Kano passenger train services on Friday, the Assistant Director, Public Relations of the corporation, Mr. David Ndakotsu, said yesterday in a statement.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation plans to give Nigerians a befitting Christmas gift in the form of commencement of the Iddo (Lagos)-Kano train service,” Ndakotsu said.

The service was suspended four years ago due to the flooding of the track at Akerri, Niger State which resulted in the washing out of the tracks.

NAN also reports that the service was suspended due to the nationwide track rehabilitation.

The statement stated that the completion of the rehabilitation of the route was done in phases, including Iddo-Jebba 488-km, which was handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). The statement added that the Jebba-Kano route - 640km - was handled by Costain West Africa (Ltd).

“The corporation assures the public of a hitch-free train service from Lagos to Kano, while for now the service will be on Fridays only,” Ndakotsu said.

NAN reports that the trip would cost N2,000 in the economy class, while passengers in first class would pay N6,000. (NAN)