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Tag: Railway

  • Fed Govt woos investors for railway development

    Fed Govt woos investors for railway development

    The Minister Of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali has called on Chinese and other foreign investors to invest in Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

    The Minister said there are investment opportunities in power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to secure the corridors and ensure reliable service delivery.

    Speaking at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China, Alkali said he looks forward to a collaboration that builds not just railways but bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress.

    He said Nigeria has embraced sustainability in its railway development strategy by retrofitting locomotives to accommodate hybrid propulsion systems powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    The minister said: “Infrastructure is not just about tracks and trains. For our railway system to function optimally, there is a need for investments in dedicated power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to secure the corridors and ensure reliable service delivery.

    These are areas ripe for private-sector participation and public-private partnerships.

    “China has been a trusted friend and partner, and we look forward to a deeper collaboration that builds not just railways but bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress. I invite global investors, financiers, and infrastructure developers to consider Nigeria not merely as a market but as a strategic hub for African regional connectivity. We believe in partnerships that empower and transform.

    “Together, through enhanced connectivity and win-win cooperation, we can build a future where our railways and other modes of land transport carry not just goods and people, but also the promise of a prosperous tomorrow.”

    The Minister also said Nigeria and China have embarked on transformational infrastructure through deliberate collaboration anchored in mutual respect and shared interests.

    He said the projects are enhancing regional integration, unlocking economic potential, and delivering tangible benefits to our people.

    He said: “A prime example of this partnership is the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Project, a flagship initiative under Nigeria’s railway modernization programme undertaken by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). This ambitious corridor has been segmented for implementation, and I am pleased to report remarkable milestones:

    “The Abuja–Kaduna Railway Line, the first completed segment, has been operational since 2016, becoming a vital link for passengers and cargo in Northern Nigeria.

    Read Also: Opeifa at 60: Steering Nigeria’s railway renaissance

    The Lagos–Ibadan Railway Line, completed and inaugurated in 2021, is now enhancing commercial activity between Nigeria’s largest commercial city and its hinterland.

    Construction is currently ongoing on the Kaduna–Kano Railway Line, with notable progress being recorded despite funding challenges.

    “However, for the full benefits of this transformative corridor to be realized, it is imperative to complete the remaining segment; Ibadan–Minna–Abuja. This strategic link is the last piece in the Lagos–Kano corridor and will, upon completion, enhance inter-regional trade, reduce logistics costs, and improve trans-African connectivity.

    “We, therefore, call on our Chinese partners to once again lend their support, both financial and technical, to bring this critical segment to life…As we look to the future, Nigeria remains open and eager to attract strategic partners to develop additional corridors for standard gauge railways”.

    The Minister said several feasibility studies have been completed by the Ministry of Transportation and present investment-ready opportunities include Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Railway with Branch Lines (2,163km), Aba–Owerri–Nnewi–Onitsha–Awka–Enugu–Abakaliki Corridor (254km), Kano–Nguru–Gashua–Damaturu–Gamboru-Ngala Line (740km), Lagos–Ibadan–Abuja High-Speed Rail Line (605km), Illela–Sokoto–Jega–Yauri–Makera–Minna Line (408km), Zaria–Funtua–Gasua–Kaura Namoda–Sokoto–Illela–Birnin Koni Corridor (520km), and Calabar–Ikom–Obudu–Ogoja–Wukari–Yola–Maiduguri route.

    He added that there are concession opportunities for existing narrow-gauge systems, such as the Lagos–Kano Western line.

    Alkali stated that the corridors span critical mineral, agricultural, and commercial zones, offering tremendous return on investment for any committed partner.”

  • Fed Govt woos investors for railway development

    Fed Govt woos investors for railway development

    The Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, has called on Chinese and other foreign investors to invest in Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

    The Minister said there are investment opportunities in power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to secure the corridors and ensure reliable service delivery.

    Speaking at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China, Alkali expressed his anticipation for a collaboration that not only constructs railways but also fosters bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress.

    He said Nigeria has embraced sustainability in its railway development strategy by retrofitting locomotives to accommodate hybrid propulsion systems powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    The minister said, “Infrastructure is not just about tracks and trains. For our railway system to function optimally, there is a need for investments in dedicated power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to secure the corridors and ensure reliable service delivery. These are areas ripe for private-sector participation and public-private partnerships.

    “China has been a trusted friend and partner, and we look forward to a deeper collaboration that builds not just railways but bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress. I invite global investors, financiers, and infrastructure developers to consider Nigeria not merely as a market but as a strategic hub for African regional connectivity. We believe in partnerships that empower and transform.

    “Together, through enhanced connectivity and win-win cooperation, we can build a future where our railways and other modes of land transport carry not just goods and people, but also the promise of a prosperous tomorrow.”

    The Minister also said Nigeria and China have embarked on transformational infrastructure through deliberate collaboration anchored in mutual respect and shared interests.

    He said the projects are enhancing regional integration, unlocking economic potential, and delivering tangible benefits to our people.

    Read Also: Opeifa: CNG will ensure sustainable future for railways

    He said: “A prime example of this partnership is the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Project, a flagship initiative under Nigeria’s railway modernisation programme undertaken by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). This ambitious corridor has been segmented for implementation, and I am pleased to report remarkable milestones:

    “The Abuja–Kaduna Railway Line, the first completed segment, has been operational since 2016, becoming a vital link for passengers and cargo in Northern Nigeria.

    The Lagos–Ibadan Railway Line, completed and inaugurated in 2021, is now enhancing commercial activity between Nigeria’s largest commercial city and its hinterland.

    Construction is currently ongoing on the Kaduna–Kano Railway Line, with notable progress being recorded despite funding challenges.

    “However, for the full benefits of this transformative corridor to be realized, it is imperative to complete the remaining segment; Ibadan–Minna–Abuja. This strategic link is the last piece in the Lagos–Kano corridor and will, upon completion, enhance inter-regional trade, reduce logistics costs, and improve trans-African connectivity.

    “We, therefore, call on our Chinese partners to once again lend their support, both financial and technical, to bring this critical segment to life…As we look to the future, Nigeria remains open and eager to attract strategic partners to develop additional corridors for standard gauge railways”.

    The Minister said several feasibility studies have been completed by the Ministry of Transportation and present investment-ready opportunities include Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Railway with Branch Lines (2,163km), Aba–Owerri–Nnewi–Onitsha–Awka–Enugu–Abakaliki Corridor (254km), Kano–Nguru–Gashua–Damaturu–Gamboru-Ngala Line (740km), Lagos–Ibadan–Abuja High-Speed Rail Line (605km), Illela–Sokoto–Jega–Yauri–Makera–Minna Line (408km), Zaria–Funtua–Gasua–Kaura Namoda–Sokoto–Illela–Birnin Koni Corridor (520km), and Calabar–Ikom–Obudu–Ogoja–Wukari–Yola–Maiduguri route.

    He added that there are concession opportunities for existing narrow-gauge systems, such as the Lagos–Kano Western line.

    Alkali stated that the corridors span critical mineral, agricultural, and commercial zones, offering tremendous return on investment for any committed partner.”

  • FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project, says NRC MD

    FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project, says NRC MD

    Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has said the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government (FG).

    While assuring that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, the MD commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his transformational initiatives, saying the governor’s investment in infrastructure was already rubbing off on the people’s standard of living.

    Dr. Opeifa, who stated these when he led a delegation of senior management team of the NRC on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, explained that he was in the state to reaffirm the management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest.

    He pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail line on the Eastern Corridor since there were increasing demands for it by the people, who were mostly into business and trading.

    “The whole essence of this visit is to deepen our relationship and collaboration with the state government under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. I also want you to know that the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Enugu City shared a common history,” he added.

    Read Also: Eastern rail line may be ready before 2027, says NRC MD

    He further said that Enugu under Mbah was doing what the corporation was watching out for in terms of the enabling infrastructure such as the transport terminals that the Corporation was poised to take advantage of.

    “Enugu State is doing what the Nigerian Railway is looking forward to. The building of road transport terminals by the administration is what we are trying to take advantage of in our railway corridors. I came to discuss it. The discussion has been on. So I only came to affirm it.

    “I have eyes, I can see. I have ears, I can hear. So, when I entered this city, I saw the difference this administration is making.

    “Seriously speaking, this is a different kind of government. He is a business man. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t see obstacles or challenges. He just faces what he wants to do and that is why you can see him achieving all these.

    “Meanwhile, he told me that what we call much is actually that little, saying that many, many more will come and I believe him,” Opeifa noted.

    According to him, President Bola Tinubu had already issued a directive to the corporation to fashion out mutual relationship with the state and work out initiatives that would engender a seamless transportation for economic prosperity.

    While enjoining the state to take advantage of the Eastern Line, once completed, the MD further appealed to the governor to strengthen security around their assets, which had come under vandalism by notorious scraps dealers.

    Governor Mbah, on his part, said that Enugu had an inextricable history with the NRC dating back to the discovery of coal and the subsequent shipping of the coal to Port Harcourt in 1918, using the rail transport.

  • Strike: Railway union, NRC MD reach truce

    Strike: Railway union, NRC MD reach truce

    The new Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, averted a looming workers strike that would have paralyzed train services on the five train networks across the country.

    The nation’s oldest corporation owns and run train services on the two narrow gauges known as the Western and Eastern Lines, and three standard gauges namely; the Abuja-Kaduna, (AKTS), Itakpe-Warri (IWTS) and Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS).

    The union leaders had sent a signal of what is ahead to the new MD while welcoming him to the headquarters on Thursday, as a result of their poor welfare.

    The President General of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR), Comrade Innocent Luka Ajiji, said they were just waiting to receive the new MD before embarking on the strike action.

    Ajiji, who is also the President, Africa Railway Workers Union (AfRWU), an affiliate of the International Transport Federation (ITF) moments after meeting with the Managing Director addressed the media informing them that the proposed strike is not only suspended but out rightly cancelled.

    Read Also: CSO, Afenifere youths fault Sowore’s comments on IGP Egbetokun

    Ajiji, who was accompanied by the President, Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (SSANRC), Comrade Marcel Okeke, expressed happiness at the appointment of Opeifa, who like them, is a comrade and human rights activist.

    “We are happy at the choice of Mr President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who gave us Dr Kayode Opeifa. We know of his antecedent at the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and we, on behalf of all our members are assuring him that as a result of this appointment, we are not only suspending, but we are outrightly cancelling all machinery set in motion for an industrial action aimed at drawing Federal Government’s action to the plight of railway workers,” Ajiji said.

    He said the two unions are cancelling the protest in deference to the new MD and would be happy to commence the process of a new negotiation with the new MD because they are assured that they may get a new deal with him that would be better than all the old agreement between the unions and the management.

  • Opeifa averts railway workers’ strike

    Opeifa averts railway workers’ strike

    The strike proposed by the Railways Workers Union has been cancelled, following pleas by the Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

    The association agreed to cancel the proposed industrial action in honour of the new helmsman, who assumed office on Thursday. 

    Leaders of the union explained that there were outstanding issues that should warrant a strike, alleging insensitivity to workers’ complaints by the past management. 

    However, at the handing over ceremony at the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) head office in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Opeifa pacified the aggrieved workers, assuring them that he would give them a listening ear.

    He reminded the union leaders about his antecedent as a rights activist who belongs to the same family as them in their collective emancipation of the masses. 

    Opeifa said: “I request that you should cancel the strike. We will go into talks. I assure you that we will work together in a harmonious relationship.”

    The managing director promised to modernise and deepen the national rail system to connect the states of the federation.

    He promised to prioritise the welfare of the workers to enable the current Federal Government to realise its Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Opeifa said: “I am reminded of the critical role the Nigerian Railway Corporation plays in driving economic growth, promoting national integration, and improving the lives of Nigerians. We will, together, work tirelessly to ensure that the corporation achieves its mandate and exceeds expectations.”

    The managing director promised that the NRC, working with the Ministry of Transportation, would prioritise the security of lives and properties, modernise and expand the current rail infrastructure and introduce new technologies to improve efficiency, and safety, and increase rail connectivity.

    Read Also: Awori indigenes urge Opeifa to revamp rail sector

    Opeifa also promised to introduce other areas that would improve customer experience, and capacity building, as well as deepen relationships and accelerate project completion.

    He said he would carry along the management and workers of the corporation to focus on “efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction that is driven by passion and excellence”.

    The managing director was accompanied by eminent people from the state, including All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Fouad Oki; former deputy governor and Senior Special Advisor to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; a former lawmaker, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Olusegun Odumosu; Leader of Mandate Group in Alimosho Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo; former Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abiodun Ladega; and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

  • ‘Railway should prioritise cargo movement’

    ‘Railway should prioritise cargo movement’

    A transport and logistics expert, Dr Segun Musa, has called for a redirection of the focus of Nigerian railway from passenger movement to cargo movement.

    He said the Federal Government ought to have focused on cargo movement from the ports, which would have hugely impacted the economy.

    “Passenger services cannot generate the revenue we need to sustain the rail sector. Poor feasibility studies and a lack of long-term planning continue to plague the industry,” Musa said.

    He said the $7.5 billion loan obtained from the Chinese Government for the construction of the Lagos – Kano standard gauge rail could become a colossal waste for lack of proper direction for the railway services.

    Musa, the Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), said the modern rail line on which the fund was invested is presently under-utilised due to misplaced priorities.

    Recall that construction of the modern rail lines started in 2017, with the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, explaining then, that $1.4 billion of the loan was for the construction of the Lagos to Ibadan standard gauge, while $6.1 billion would be utilised for the Ibadan–Ilorin–Minna-Kaduna-Kano leg of the project which is the third and last phase.

    Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Musa knocked the government for making a mess of the huge loan meant for the construction of the modern railway.

    He recalled the initial efforts to revamp the rail system under Obasanjo’s presidency, with an emphasis on moving freight rather than passengers.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Ogoni, Oyigbo leaders meet, plan Fubara’s replacement in 2027

     “We proposed focusing on cargo transport, as the passenger sector didn’t have the potential to generate substantial income,” Musa said, adding that instead of prioritising freight, resources were funneled into upgrading passenger comforts.

     “The result is that the rail system has failed once again, and today, much of the investment in the rail sector has gone to waste. Had we prioritised cargo transport, the income generated would have repaid the investment by now,” Musa stated, expressing frustration over the government’s lack of foresight.

    He said: “Had we prioritized cargo transport, the income generated would have repaid the investment by now. Instead, the sector has remained in a financial bind as passenger services for which the government focused cannot generate the required revenue to pay back the loan.” he said.

    According to him; “the place of an efficient transport system cannot be over-emphasized to effectively drive the economy. No economy can truly thrive without robust transportation. For over 20 years, we have largely ignored the transportation sector’s impact on our economy, relying on the road mode that was outdated and ineffective.”

    Musa expressed frustration over the government’s lack of foresight.

    He carpeted the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) which he argued had performed poorly in managing the corporation with short-sighted policies, stating that officials have been conducting businesses of transportation with poor strategies that have failed in other climes.

    X-raying the road transport, Musa said the sub-sector has remained the most chaotic because it is unregulated. “Road transport is the most unorganized sector with no proper regulation. Anyone with enough money can buy trucks, buses, or cars and put them on the road with no standardization or oversight functions being carried out by any agency,” he said.

    He explained that this usually slows down trade as it leads to constant congestion that hampers economic growth.

    Musa also took a shot at the aviation sector which he described as over-regulated but poorly managed. “Despite being the most regulated sector, we’ve had the preponderance of wrong people being in charge, making efficiency a major issue in the sector,” Musa observed.

    Reflecting on past air incidents, he added, “during the Obasanjo administration, when air crashes were frequent, stakeholders admitted to cutting corners. How is it possible for the most regulated sector to be rife with corner-cutting? The issue stems from the government’s failure to address the financial and operational needs of the aviation industry.”

  • Southwest govs urged to build regional railway infrastructure

    Southwest govs urged to build regional railway infrastructure

    Southwest Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (SWARHOSPS) has called on the South West governors to build regional railway infrastructure.

    The Association urged the governors to take advantage of the delisting of railways from the exclusive list and build railway infrastructures that will connect all six southwestern states.

    It added that the initiative will improve the transportation network in the southwest, and enhance economic development while opening up the hinterland for socio-economic growth.

    SWARHOPS comprising retired Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries from Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Ondo States said this in a communique issued at the end of its seventh quarterly zonal meeting held in Ado-Ekiti and signed by the President, Dr. Enenezer Okebukola and the General Secretary, Barr. Afolabi Amure.

    It bemoaned the state governments’ low yearly budgets,  which were inadequate to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens, calling on President Bola Tinubu to allocate oil blocks to states to boost their revenue base.

    Read Also: Southwest govs, Ooni, others to host homecoming ceremony for Tinubu

    The Association in its communique said, “The Body urged all states in the Region to take advantage of the delisting of Air and Railway from the exclusive list and come together to improve rail and air linkages along major expressways to the capitals and major developmental hubs in the Region to facilitate good linkages and development activities in the zone.

     “The six States in the southwest Region were requested to promote patronage of locally produced goods such as cocoa products to stimulate economic growth and employment in the zone.

    “The Body appreciated the cooperation among the Governments in the Zone and urged further collaboration and deepening of the relationship towards integrated development of the Region most especially in the areas of food security, security of lives and property as well as transportation.

    “The Body called on Governments at all levels to improve on the welfare of serving public servants through realistic minimum wages to reflect the prevailing economic realities as well as regular and purpose-driven capacity development programmes to enhance quality public service delivery.

    “The Body considered the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) matrix currently in use in the Public Service as obsolete and therefore called for its replacement with a Performance Bond to enable Government to benchmark the performances of the Public Servants”, it added.

  • Endangered!

    Endangered!

    • Railway services in the country may crumble if nothing is done to balance the books

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) gave indication it may be back to life under the Buhari administration when loans and expertise were sourced from the Chinese government.

    True, the Abuja-Kaduna line started by the previous Jonathan administration was completed, and the Lagos-Ibadan service was similarly modernised.

    Many Nigerians began to express the hope that the future of the economy may be bright after all. As Mr. Rotimi Amaechi who was the Minister of Transportation was never tired of explaining the government’s grandiose plans concerning the train services — how it would protect the roads, link the West to the Northwest, the Southsouth and East to the Northeast, and thus bring down the prices of goods across the country.

    But, it was all built on the fantasy that funding would come from China. Even when the federal legislators sought to inquire into the terms of the loans and how realistic the payment terms were, the former governor of Rivers State flew into a rage.

    Now, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that the revenue being generated has not been able to service the debts. There is a shortfall of 1,200 per cent, raising fears that plans for the Lagos-Calabar route, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri route, and Lagos-Kano modern service may have to be put on hold.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies have worked well for us – Airtel Boss

    We are concerned that much of the transactions for the modernisation project was shrouded in secrecy. At a point, a committee of the Senate saddled with the task of advising the upper federal legislative chamber cried out that the terms were written in Chinese. It was nonetheless browbeaten into recommending approval of the loan request.

    There is a need for a wholesale review of the project. While it is not unusual that expenditure (including debt servicing) could outstrip revenue at the early stages of such a major project, 1,200 per cent is indefensible. How efficiently has it been running? How professional is the management? It was shocking when Mr. Amaechi explained that security equipment for the route was not provided because his memo presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was shut down, thus allowing the bandits’ attack of March 28, 2022, that claimed eight lives and led to abduction of 168 passengers. There is no indication that the gadgets have since been installed to safeguard lives and boost confidence. On another occasion, a train headed for Ibadan from Lagos was said to have run out of fuel.

    There have also been concerns about the ticketing system. In the 21st Century, passengers in Ibadan and Lagos have to manually purchase their tickets, and, in many cases, some passengers have cried out that only ghosts willing to grease palms are allowed into the coaches, with some left at the station while there were empty coaches. The e-payment for ticketing has the advantage of accountability. In addition, it makes it easy to identify all the passengers, if and when necessary. It is not enough to build a “first class” rail line, running it is critical. Government ought to have learnt from the collapse of the previous Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC),  Nigeria Airways and the Nigerian National Shipping Line that had all flourished in the past. NRC was handed to the Indians to manage in the Second Republic, but the experiment did not succeed as what has become known, albeit derogatorily, as the ‘Nigerian Factor’ got in the way.

    The experiences of East African countries that are heavily indebted to the Chinese should not be allowed to befall Nigeria.

    The security services should rise up to the occasion by apprehending the ticketing rats. Besides, they have the duty to keep away vandals from the rail tracks, thus saving funds being spent to replace stolen clips. The corporation said about 150,000 clips were stolen between 2022 and 2023.

    Nigerians, too, have a duty to be vigilant in protecting public property, especially those procured at great cost. Government should take the lead in deploying men of the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps  (NSCDC) to guard the rail lines.

    This is one precious asset that must be well secured.

  • ‘Vandals steal 50,000 railway clips in one year on Lagos-Ibadan corridor’

    ‘Vandals steal 50,000 railway clips in one year on Lagos-Ibadan corridor’

    The biggest battle the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) faced in the outgoing year is vandalism, its Managing Director Fidet Okhiria has said.

    Okhiria, who stated this while addressing reporters in Lagos, said over 50,000 clips used to stabilise the rail slippers were stolen from the Lagos-Ibadan Standard gauge Train Service (LITS) in the year.

    The NRC boss said similar vandalisation had been recorded on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) and the Itakpe-Warri Train Service (IWTS).

    Read Also: Railway will boost economic growth in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    He expressed worry that the vandals returned to vandalise the items even after they had been restored.

    Between Mushin and Oshodi alone, over 200 clips were stolen by vandals on the standard gauge two days after they were restored.

    Okhiria said the vandals targeted the narrow and the standard gauge systems where rail facilities were stolen by economic saboteurs.

    The NRC boss hailed the Federal Government for the free train ride it offered Nigerians as part of the presidential Yuletide palliatives.

  • As Nigeria’s railway system goes e-ticketing

    As Nigeria’s railway system goes e-ticketing

    • By Adedigba David

    Sir: In the heart of Nigeria’s digital revolution, a monumental leap has been taken to redefine the nation’s railway experience. On October 31, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) introduced its ground-breaking E-Ticketing system, catapulting the country’s transportation sector into a new era of efficiency, convenience, and security. This transformative initiative not only dismantles the inefficiencies of the analogue era but also establishes a robust, digitally fortified railway system, setting new standards for seamless travel in the 21st century.

    Gone are the days of frustrating long queues and cumbersome ticketing processes. With the advent of E-Ticketing, passengers now have the power to effortlessly book their journeys online, curate their travel preferences, and select seating categories with just a few clicks. This streamlined process not only saves invaluable time but also empowers travellers with unparalleled freedom and control over their travel plans. The railway system, once plagued by inconvenience, has now become a realm of hassle-free exploration and seamless connectivity.

    At the heart of this revolutionary transformation lies the E-Ticketing system’s unparalleled ability to enhance security and thwart fraudulent activities. By ingeniously linking each ticket to the passenger’s identity through their NIN number, this system creates an impenetrable digital fortress. Manipulation and counterfeit ticketing attempts are met with insurmountable resistance, ensuring air-tight security for all passengers. This dynamic fusion of technology and security not only safeguards passengers’ interests but also illuminates a path towards a transparent, trustworthy railway system.

    In the broader context of Nigeria’s digital metamorphosis, the integration of E-Ticketing in the railway system stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernization and progress. As various sectors enthusiastically embrace digital solutions, the railway system emerges as a beacon of technological prowess. It serves as a living embodiment of how innovation can elevate essential services, marking a significant stride towards a more connected, efficient, and digitally advanced nation.

    To guarantee the perpetual success of the E-Ticketing system, vigilance becomes paramount. Implementing periodic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensures that any potential challenges are swiftly identified and promptly addressed. This proactive approach not only optimizes passenger convenience but also keeps the system adaptable, ready to embrace emerging technologies and evolving needs. It is a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and dedication to providing its citizens with a world-class travel experience.

    Read Also: Learn to leak your wounds, APC counsels Obi

    Moreover, the E-Ticketing policy paves the way for the creation of a comprehensive passenger database, a cornerstone in the realm of national security. In an era where accurate information is of paramount importance, this database becomes an invaluable asset. It empowers law enforcement agencies to track passenger movements, analyse travel patterns, and respond swiftly to any security concerns. The amalgamation of technology and security creates a synergy that fortifies the nation’s safety net, reassuring passengers and bolstering their confidence in the system.

    The introduction of E-Ticketing in Nigeria’s railway system is not merely a milestone; it is a testament to the nation’s visionary stride into a digitally empowered future. As we celebrate this monumental achievement, let us be reminded that this journey is not just about trains and tickets; it’s about embracing progress, igniting innovation, and crafting a future where every citizen can travel with unprecedented ease, security, and pride.

    Together, let us embark on this digital odyssey, ensuring that Nigeria’s railway system remains a shining beacon of innovation, setting an example for the world to follow.

    •Adedigba David,

    adedigbadavid2@gmail.com