The Nigerian government has launched the electronic ticketing platform for the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri train services.
The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Sa’idu Alkali, who launched the e-ticketing platform at the Ministry in Abuja, the capital city, said the platform will make it easy for customers to buy tickets and also ensure their safety on board the train.
He said the e-ticketing platform will be accessible to the public on November 1, 2023.
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The Minister said e-ticketing will also avoid racketeering, as the present administration desires to ensure zero tolerance for corruption.
“I launch this to the glory of God and for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens,” he said.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Marine, and Blue Economy, Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, said the contract was awarded by the Federal Executive Council early this year, 2023.
She further said, “The contract was a concession, and Nigeria did not pay a dime. The private individuals brought their money to get this done, and they will recuperate their money over ten years.”
The contractors for the platform, Global Software and Digital Solutions and Fane Warri-Itakpe Ticketing Solutions LTD, made a demonstration of how to operate the platforms on the Nigerian Railway Corporation website. The platform allows customers to buy tickets with their National Identification Number, NIN, online, while there will also be point-of-sale machines for those who want to purchase at the station. The contractors explained that the machines for ticket purchases will be linked with the system to track payments and ensure there is no racketeering. There will also be a verification point before boarding to ensure that the data of customers matches that of the ticket holder.
The Managing Director of NRC, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, said the e-ticketing will reduce physical contact between passengers and staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC.
He also said the e-ticketing platform would be extended from 24 hours to 48 hours so that people can buy tickets 48 hours before their journey, and it will be open until 15 minutes before boarding time.
Mr. Okhiria further added that the tickets are non-refundable.
The MD disclosed that the NRC staff who were caught on camera selling tickets have faced the disciplinary panel and will be dismissed from service While seven others indicted have been demoted.
