In August 2024, I travelled to Kaduna for my screening at the Nigerian Defence Academy after being offered admission to the MPhil in Leadership and Strategic Studies. We left Abuja early and returned the same day, but by the time I went to bed that night, the stress from the trip caused by the bad roads had already begun to tell. In all, I travelled by road 4 times – 3 times with my car; 1 time I car pooled from Abuja, then took public transport back to Abuja after which I considered the total cost of transportation, accommodation, discomfort and feeding, and it became clear that I needed a more sustainable option in terms of finance and convenience.
The train service became the most attractive alternative, and that began a year-long experience with the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Abuja–Kaduna route.
1. Booking Process
Booking was done through the Breeze-NRC app. Getting tickets online required persistence and creativity. My assistant often stayed up late, sometimes until 2 a.m. between Wednesday and Thursday, monitoring when tickets would be released as by Thursday morning, they were usually sold out.
Same process was repeated – keeping vigil on Thursday night into Friday (2 am or 3 am) in order to get ticket for the return journey back to Abuja on Saturday evening.
Recommendation: The NRC should adopt a transparent and predictable ticket release schedule, with reliable in-app notifications to prevent black-market sales and needless anxiety for regular commuters.
2. Presence of Security
There was always visible security on board. By 2025, I noticed an improvement in professionalism. Earlier, in 2024, the personnel were intrusive, too visible and too casual. The new tone is calmer and more reassuring.
Recommendation: Maintain the current level of professionalism but improve passenger–security interaction protocols through soft-skills training to balance visibility with subtlety.
3. Vendors
Onboard vendors were a permanent feature. Although I never patronized them, their business seemed brisk. I found it commendable that they kept their areas tidy and ensured the coaches remained clean.
Recommendation: The NRC should formalize vendor operations by providing uniforms, identification badges, and waste-disposal kits to sustain hygiene and standardize service.
4. Lavatories
Each coach has gendered lavatories, but many are often locked, forcing passengers to move from one coach to another in search of one that is open. On two occasions, I sat near a lavatory, and the stench almost made me sick.
Recommendation: The NRC should enforce routine cleaning and maintenance schedules, ensure all lavatories are functional, and adopt automated odor-control systems for improved sanitation.
5. Train Stations
I used the Idu–Rigasa and Rigasa–Idu route.
The Idu Station is generally impressive, with functioning scanners and professional checks. Occasionally, escalators and elevators fail, forcing passengers to use the stairs. This is tough for solo travelers with luggage. I did not notice facilities for people with physical challenges; this should be looked into and provisions made if there are none.
While the Rigasa Station is less sophisticated but functional and efficient.
In between is the Kubwa Station of which I have nothing to say as I never used it.
Recommendation: Both stations should be upgraded to meet universal accessibility standards with reliable power supply, operational elevators, and dedicated assistance for the physically challenged.
6. Pricing
At ₦3,600 for a standard coach, the fare is unbelievably affordable. I never used the first-class coaches because the regular ones were comfortable enough.
Recommendation: I sincerely lack any recommendations for pricing.
7. Communications Onboard
A new addition in 2025 was the welcome announcement that stated the estimated travel time and arrival details, medical services onboard and safety briefings. It was professional and pleasant.
Recommendation: Expand this to include multilingual announcements to improve inclusivity.
8. Air Conditioning
The cooling system worked efficiently, perhaps too efficiently. I always travelled with a scarf or hoodie because of the cold.
Recommendation: If possible, implement adjustable temperature zones in each coach so passengers can regulate airflow without discomfort.
9. Courteous Staff
Staff were generally polite and professional. The tone of service improved significantly between late 2024 and 2025.
Recommendation: Continue periodic customer service retraining and introduce an employee recognition program for outstanding conduct.
10. Prompt Services
Reliability is one of the train’s best attributes. The Abuja–Kaduna service runs on schedule with minimal delays.
Recommendation: Preserve this reliability through proactive maintenance of tracks and engines, coupled with transparent communication whenever delays occur.
A Memorable Experience
I concluded my almost weekly commute in May 2025, and my experience remains one of the highlights of my academic journey. Many dismiss our train system because it is locomotive, but I see it differently. We can appreciate what we have while demanding better. When the service resumed just weeks after an accident, even though I was no longer commuting, I felt genuine relief for daily travelers whose lives revolve around that route.
An Act of Service Worth Commending
On one trip, I mistakenly booked two tickets in my name, one meant for Tiana. At the Rigasa station, the check-in officer refused to let her board since her name was not on the ticket. I pleaded, explaining in English and Pidgin, but she was adamant.
Just as I gave up, a coursemate who was coming in as we made our exit suggested we speak to the station supervisor, Mr. Mohammed Kabir. He listened patiently, confirmed Tiana’s NIN and phone number, and in two minutes had her details corrected on the system. We boarded safely.
Mr. Kabir’s kindness, empathy, and competence turned a bad day into one of my proudest moments of public service efficiency.
Recommendation: The NRC should institutionalize staff commendation channels to celebrate officers like Mohammed Kabir whose actions restore faith in public systems.
Final Recommendations.
1. Expand rail service to include more routes.
2. Those who vandalize or steal railway infrastructure should face the strongest punishment under the law. They do not just damage property; they endanger lives, sabotage national progress, and erode public trust. The government must treat railway sabotage as economic treason and enforce deterrent penalties.
Long live the Nigeria Railway Corporation.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.