Nigeria commences e-Ticketing for train transportation
The Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the electronic system of ticketing for the Lagos – Ibadan and Warri – Itakpe train stations on 01 November 2023. The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, launched an electronic ticketing platform to better serve Nigerian citizens as they take train rides from Warri to Itakpe and from Lagos to Ibadan, routes that were concessioned under a private-public partnership earlier in the year.
The launch of the e-ticketing was held at the headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja on Monday, 30th October 2023, witnessed by the national television stations and media representatives.
At the launch, Senator Alkali stated that e-ticketing became necessary following incessant complaints of widespread corruption, sharp practices, unethical behaviour, and ticket racketeering by the operators and “agents” at the train stations.
The Minister reiterated that the automation would curb ticket racketeering to a significant extent; it would increase government revenue and address some prevailing security challenges experienced in the sector.
According to him, “The essence of e-ticketing is to make it easy for our passengers, ensure security, and to stop ticket racketeering. Since Wednesday, November 1st, Nigerians have been enjoying the benefits of purchasing tickets at their convenience without any issues.”
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okharia, disclosed that the initiative had improved the revenue generated on the two train routes. He reported, “For the fear of e-ticketing coming into effect, we have seen our revenue grow. I can boldly say that throughout the last week, we earned no less than N4 million a day on the Itakpe – Warri route.”
