Train Services Grounded As Railway Workers Begin Strike Today

Railway service across the country has been grounded following the industrial action instituted by the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers.

About 10,995 of the workers under the union threatened a three-day strike last week.

They are seeking improved welfare from the Federal Government.

Following the threat from the labour union, the NRC temporarily suspended the sale of tickets to passengers, an action that will shed rail revenues by over N90m.

NRC said, “Dear esteemed passengers, following the proposed labour action, NRC has temporarily suspended ticket purchase from Thursday 18th November 2021.

“Kindly bear with us as we anticipate expedited resolution. We look forward to welcoming you back to our service as soon as possible.”

The routes that will be affected are Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe, Lagos-Kano, Kano-Unguru and Aba-Port Harcourt.

It is understood that the Union was served a court injunction stopping them from taking the action.

However, the NUR President-General, Innocent Ajiji, told Punch that, “We are going ahead with the strike on Thursday. They have been trying to get us to serve us a court injunction.

“That is the kind of government we have in place now. However, we’ve not been served and so by early hours of Thursday morning our strike commences.”