The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the commencement of urgent repairs on a flood-damaged section of its narrow gauge rail line in Osogbo, Osun State, ahead of the anticipated passenger traffic surge during the Eid-el Kabir (Sallah) celebration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Callistus Unyimadu, Deputy Director of the NRC Public Relations Unit, the Corporation said the affected portion is located at kilometre 294+12 poles, in the Oke-Onitea area of Osogbo. The site suffered a washout following a heavy downpour on Saturday, which compromised the structural integrity of the track.
Unyimadu explained that the repair works are already underway, with engineers deployed to restore the damaged track and prevent any disruption to rail operations during the festive period. The repair is particularly important for the Osogbo–Ilorin–Minna corridor, which typically experiences increased passenger movement during major Islamic celebrations.
The Managing Director and CEO of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed regret over the damage caused by the rainfall but assured the public that the corporation is working round the clock to ensure normal rail services resume before the Sallah festivities.
“We understand the importance of this period to many Nigerians travelling to reunite with their families, and we are doing everything necessary to ensure their travel plans are not disrupted,” Opeifa said.
The NRC also appealed to residents of Oke-Onitea and other communities along the railway line to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, warning that such activities block culverts and worsen flooding, which in turn damages the railway infrastructure.
“The public must play their part in safeguarding infrastructure meant for their benefit. Dumping waste in drainage channels along rail tracks causes culvert blockage, leading to erosion and weakening of the tracks,” the statement noted.
The NRC reiterated its commitment to providing safe and reliable rail services to Nigerians and emphasized that it is closely monitoring the repair process to ensure it is completed ahead of schedule.
