The Nigerian government has launched an electronic ticketing platform for the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri train services to address the issues of malpractices and enhance efficiency.
This comes weeks after TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) exposed how the use of cash ticketing systems had led to various malpractices, undermining the efficiency and reputation of the railway system.
The launch event which was presided over by the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Alkali stressed the platform’s ability to simplify ticket purchases and improve passenger safety on trains. The e-ticketing platform is set to become accessible to the public from Wednesday November 1, 2023.
The Minister noted that e-ticketing would eliminate racketeering, aligning with the government’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for corruption.
He remarked, “I launch this to the glory of God and for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Marine, and Blue Economy, Magdalene Ajani, noted that the contract for the initiative was awarded earlier in 2023.
She highlighted the concession model for the contract, emphasizing that Nigeria did not provide any funding, as private individuals invested in the project with the expectation of recovering their investment over a ten-year period.
Global Software and Digital Solutions and Fane Warri-Itakpe Ticketing Solutions LTD, the contractors for the platform, conducted a demonstration on how to operate the system on the Nigerian Railway Corporation website.
The e-ticketing system allows customers to purchase tickets online using their National Identification Number (NIN).
Additionally, point-of-sale machines will be available for those who prefer in-person transactions, ensuring seamless tracking of payments and preventing racketeering.
A verification process will be implemented before boarding to match customer data with the ticket holder.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, said the e-ticketing would reduce physical contact between passengers and NRC staff.
Furthermore, the e-ticketing window will be extended from 24 to 48 hours before the journey, allowing passengers to purchase the non-refundable tickets up to 15 minutes before boarding.
Okhiria further disclosed that NRC staff members caught selling tickets illicitly have faced disciplinary actions, with some being dismissed from service and others demoted.
The NRC boss encouraged passengers to insist on boarding tickets from designated stations or book online.