The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, says that the Nigerian Railways is set to usher in a new era of convenience and transparency by introducing an electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) system, commencing from the 1st of November 2023.
This groundbreaking initiative was revealed by Mr. Alkali on Monday during a ceremonial flag-off event held in Abuja, marking the implementation of e-ticketing for two vital railway routes, Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri.
In his address, Minister Alkali emphasized that the introduction of the e-ticketing system is a strategic move aimed at directing ticket sales revenue directly into the government’s coffers, thereby reducing the potential for corruption and revenue leakage.
He also stressed that this technological advancement would enhance passenger security and eliminate ticket racketeering, aligning with the administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and ensuring the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Contributing to the announcement, Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, shed light on the Federal Government’s unwavering dedication to realizing the dream of a nationwide e-ticketing platform.
She highlighted that electronic ticketing for standard gauge rail services would effectively curb racketeering, which has the potential to negatively impact the country’s economy.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the e-ticketing system. Okhiria affirmed that this innovative platform would enhance the integrity of railway operations while significantly increasing revenue generation for the Federal Government.
In a pivotal move towards the implementation of e-ticketing, the Federal Government has granted concessions to two private firms, “Ticketing Solutions Limited” and “Global Software and Digital Solution,” to manage the Warri-Itakpe and Lagos-Ibadan railway routes, respectively, for a period of ten years.
These firms have pledged their commitment to operating the e-ticketing system effectively and efficiently in line with their mandates.
The introduction of e-ticketing in Nigeria’s railways is expected to revolutionize the travel experience, bringing efficiency, transparency, and accountability to ticket sales while bolstering government revenue. Commencing on November 1, 2023, this development marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
