The Federal Government has launched an investigation into allegations of ticket racketeering on the Abuja-Kaduna train services following numerous passenger complaints.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali directed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engineer Fidet Okhiria to establish a committee tasked with investigating the alleged issues and resolving them.
In the statement, Minister Alkali acknowledged the concerns raised by passengers regarding difficulties in purchasing tickets for the Abuja-Kaduna rail service.
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He emphasized that the committee’s primary objective will be to review the entire ticketing process, focusing on identifying any negligence or mismanagement and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Alkali stated, “Following numerous passenger complaints regarding challenges in purchasing tickets, I have instructed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (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.”
Corroborating the ministers directive, the NRC, also in a statement issued on Sunday announced changes to the headship of its Abuja-Kaduna Train Station (AKTS).
“Information has reached the Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on difficulties of passengers obtaining their tickets online resulting to ticket racketeering on the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) in recent times.
“In order to arrest the ugly situation, the Management has set up a team headed by the Deputy Director (ICT) to investigate.
“The MD has also directed Mr. Mohammed Modibo Ibrahim to report and take over as the Manager of the AKTS with immediate effect.
“We appeal to the general public especially our esteemed passengers to bear with us. The situation will soon be brought under control.
“The MD also directed the Director Operation to increase the number of train frequencies on the route within the next two weeks,” the NRC statement stated.
