The Federal Government has investigated allegations of ticket racketeering on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line following numerous complaints from passengers. Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali announced this via his official X account on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Minister Alkali instructed the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) managing director, Fidet Okhiria, to set up a committee tasked with investigating the reported issues surrounding ticket sales for the rail service. The investigation addresses the challenges travelers face when purchasing train tickets, especially claims of irregularities and racketeering.
The minister emphasized that the committee’s main goal is to thoroughly examine the ticketing process, uncover any negligence or mismanagement, and hold those responsible accountable. This step is part of efforts to improve the overall travel experience on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.
“Following numerous passenger complaints regarding challenges in purchasing tickets, I have instructed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) @info_NRC to set up an investigation committee and resolve the alleged negligence leading to these problems on the Abuja-Kaduna route, with a focus on holding those responsible accountable.
“This committee will be tasked with conducting a detailed review of the ticket purchasing process, identifying any areas of neglect or mismanagement, and implementing necessary corrective measures,” the minister’s statement read in part.
This move is aimed at restoring public confidence in the railway system by improving transparency and efficiency in the ticketing process.
In addition to the directive to probe ticket racketeering allegations, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, also noted in an image attached to his X (formerly Twitter) post that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has increased the number of train trips on the Kaduna-Abuja rail route.
