The Federal government on Monday launched the E-ticket platform for Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Itakpe rail lines.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Akali said the initiative will kick off November 1, 2023, and will ease access to tickets and end ticket racketeering.
“The essence of E-ticketing is to make it easy for our passengers to buy tickets, for security purposes and to stop ticket racketeering”.
He revealed that the e- ticketing platform would take effect from November 1st, 2023.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okharia stated the initiative will increase revenue generation for the country.
“I am so happy about this project, apart from the fact that e-ticketing will end issues of ticket racketeering, it will also increase the revenue from the routes.
“Already for !he last one week, revenue on Warri-Itakpe has increased from N3 million to N4 million and will even further increased” he stated.
Fare Solution Ltd is handling the contract on the Warri-Itakpe rail line while Global Software and Digital Solutions is handling the contract for the Lagos-Ibadan rail line.
The contract for the E-ticketing of the rail routes was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) early in 2023 at the cost of N1.96 billion for both companies.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transportation and Marine and Blue Economy, Magdalene Ajani, said the concession went through the required processes and was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
She said: We went through all the necessary concession process and we have to thank the ICRC.
“From November 1st, Nigerians will enjoy the benefit to buy tickets at their own convenience and without any issues.
“I am certain that with this launch ticket racketeering will and I will stop receiving calls from superiors questioning why my staffs are cheating Nigerians”.
•INDEPENDENTNG.