The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor, citing “routine maintenance” as the reason for the abrupt shutdown.

The announcement, contained in a statement personally signed by the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, on Friday, said services will remain suspended until September 9, 2025.

“Port Harcourt to Aba train services suspended for routine maintenance, to resume regular services on the 9th of September 2025. We regret all inconveniences,” the statement read.

The Port Harcourt–Aba line has become a critical route for traders and low-income travelers in the South-East and South-South, especially amid rising road transport costs and worsening insecurity on highways.

However, the suspension has raised concerns among passengers who fear the abrupt move may point to deeper operational or safety challenges. The rail line has already faced a surge of public scrutiny following the recent derailment of a Kaduna-bound train, which forced a temporary shutdown on that corridor.

At the time, Dr. Opeifa confirmed that the NRC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and other agencies, had launched a full probe into the derailment. While initially reporting seven passengers injured, the NRC later revised the figure to 20. Refunds were issued to affected passengers.

Despite assurances of safety and ongoing reforms, critics argue that the spate of suspensions and incidents risks undermining public confidence in the national rail network. Calls for a comprehensive audit of NRC’s operations continue to grow.