The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for allegedly excluding Muslims from the customary free train services provided during festive periods.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, just ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebrations, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, expressed disappointment that while Christians consistently enjoy free rail transportation during Christmas and New Year holidays, no such gesture is extended to Muslims during major Islamic festivities.

 

He referenced the free train rides offered from December 2024 to early January 2025, contrasting them with the fully commercial services currently scheduled for Eid. According to him, this disparity reveals a troubling pattern.

 

“If this is an oversight, we demand an apology from the Federal Government. If it is deliberate, then it is a glaring case of executive impunity,” the statement read.

 

MURIC pointed out that although the NRC announced additional train services on routes such as Lagos to Ibadan during Eid, they were neither free nor comparable in scope and comfort to those provided during the yuletide season.

 

The group questioned the equity of this policy, especially under an administration led by a Muslim president and built on a Muslim-Muslim ticket. It said the incident reflects a broader marginalization of Muslims in national affairs.

 

“Despite the fact that neither the FG nor NRC has shown fairness to Muslims, we will remain calm, as we have no doubt that Almighty Allah is ever watchful,” Akintola stated.

 

MURIC also cited colonial-era legacies embedded in national scheduling—like weekends and public holidays—that it claimed favor Christianity. It called for a reversal of such practices or an official apology, warning against continued religious discrimination.

 

Despite the grievances, MURIC extended Eid greetings to Nigerian Muslims, urging patience, peace, and moderation during the celebrations.