By Frank Kintum
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), is one of the oldest establishments still existing today, spanning over 100 years of continues services to the country.
However, aside the passenger services which is the most common of the services provided by NRC, the Corporation also renders other services like Freight services and Excursion/Special Train services.
Freight Services
NRC says “We are engaged in freight train operations crisscrossing the length and breadth of Nigeria covering 280 stations in 19 states. We have the capacity to move cement, rice, salt, sugar, fertilizer, wheat, billet, cars, coil, petroleum products and other general goods. Other traffic includes cattle, rams, grains, kaolin, clinker which are south-bound traffic.
“There are two rail-served Inland Container dry Ports at Kaduna and Kano where NRC’s presence is registered. Our tariff is very reasonable and attractive. We offer “block train” and “pick-up” services too. A value-added service of “Goods-In-Transit” insurance policy is in place”.
Excursion and Special Train Services
Excursion services are offered by the NRC to schools, clubs, societies etc as well as to those who are seeking to just catch fun.
These services are organized by the different District managers and can be offered based on the requirements of the clients in any part of the country.
MD, NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria
Passenger Service
NRC operates long distance express passenger train services from Port-Harcourt (the garden city) to Kano and Lagos to Kano every Friday. There are also express trains from Lagos to Jos and Maiduguri, Port-Harcourt to Jos and Maiduguri. These services offer full air conditioning to the 1st class “seater” or “sleeper” luxury saloons, with restaurant cars equipped with conveniences.
“There are also standard class-coaches with adequate head room/ luggage racks and parcels’ vans on courier service. These trains traverse into the interiors of Nigeria’s vast green lands through the savannah, exposing the scenic beauty of the country. Luxury coaches (full house on-wheels) with exposed veranda for outdoor viewing, palour, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, store and visitors room are also available for hire”.
