NRC MD addresses Abuja–Kaduna ticket racketeering controversy, warns passengers against using agents

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness and accountability in the sale of train tickets, particularly on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), while intensifying measures to eliminate ticket racketeering and other fraudulent practices capable of undermining public confidence in railway transportation.

The Corporation’s renewed assurance followed allegations circulating on social media concerning ticket availability, passenger verification procedures and the activities of unauthorised ticket agents on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

The NRC had earlier issued a press statement debunking allegations of its involvement in ticket racketeering, a development that attracted widespread media attention and generated public discussion on the operations of its electronic ticketing system.

Speaking on Channels Television’s popular morning programme, Sunrise Daily, shortly after the press statement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, provided further clarification on the controversy, describing several claims contained in the viral video as inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of how the Corporation’s electronic ticketing system operates.

According to him, the fundamental challenge confronting passengers on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor is the overwhelming demand for train services, which significantly exceeds the number of available seats.

He explained that when 5,000 intending passengers compete for just 665 available seats, only the first 665 successful applicants can secure tickets, while the remaining passengers are automatically informed that seats are no longer available.

“You can’t create what you don’t have,” Opeifa stated, emphasising that the exhaustion of available seats should not be misconstrued as evidence of deliberate ticket hoarding or manipulation.

The Managing Director maintained that the NRC neither creates nor encourages ticket racketeering but has consistently introduced measures to combat the practice.

“NRC doesn’t create racketeering. We fight it and have made huge progress on that,” he declared.

Opeifa disclosed that the various measures introduced under his leadership have significantly reduced ticket racketeering, placing its current level at less than one per cent, according to the Corporation’s assessment.

He attributed the development to improvements in passenger identification, electronic verification and security arrangements designed to prevent fraudulent ticket purchases and unauthorised transfers.

The NRC boss explained that the Corporation had progressively strengthened its ticketing security architecture, moving from the introduction of National Identification Number (NIN) requirements to One-Time Password (OTP) authentication and subsequently to double verification of passenger identities.

He noted that these measures have continued to yield positive results in addressing the activities of individuals attempting to circumvent the approved booking process.

Opeifa further explained that electronic ticketing services are managed by concessionaires under Public-Private Partnership arrangements, while the NRC provides passengers with access to the approved ticketing platforms.

According to him, the Corporation’s responsibility includes putting appropriate systems in place to protect passengers, safeguard the integrity of ticket transactions and ensure compliance with established procedures.

The Managing Director also expressed concern that some passengers continue to patronise unauthorised ticket agents despite repeated warnings from the NRC.

Referring to the viral video, he observed that the complainant admitted that after failing to secure a ticket through the approved platform, she was advised to approach an agent.

He stressed that such actions directly contradict the Corporation’s longstanding advice to passengers to purchase tickets only through authorised channels.

‘We remain committed to eliminating racketeering’

Opeifa reiterated that the NRC would not relent in its efforts to eliminate ticket racketeering, noting that individuals benefiting from fraudulent practices would naturally resist measures designed to block their activities.

He maintained that the Corporation would remain resolute in its fight against corruption and other forms of economic sabotage within the railway system.

On the challenges associated with passenger verification and access control at Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna, the Managing Director acknowledged existing deficiencies in the station’s access control system.

He explained that the malfunctioning access control arrangement has contributed to some of the difficulties experienced in enforcing passenger identification and preventing unauthorised boarding.

According to him, the concessionaire responsible for the system is already working towards rectifying the situation.

Opeifa further explained that Rigasa Station was not originally designed to serve as Kaduna’s principal railway station, a factor that has contributed to some of its present operational challenges.

He nevertheless assured passengers that the Corporation would continue strengthening its security and boarding procedures to ensure that only properly identified and legitimately ticketed passengers gain access to trains.

…Concessionaire clarifies booking system

Meanwhile, Transport Payment Solutions Limited (TPS), the Public-Private Partnership concessionaire responsible for electronic ticketing on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, has further clarified the operations of the booking platform.

The company explained that ticket allocation is entirely automated and operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, without preferential allocation to individuals or groups.

It maintained that the platform does not deliberately reserve seats for unauthorised agents or permit the allocation of a single seat to multiple passengers.

The concessionaire also disclosed that the electronic ticketing platform has undergone significant optimisation since September 2026, resulting in improved system performance, faster processing of passenger requests and greater stability during periods of high booking demand.

These improvements, according to the company, have strengthened the efficiency of the booking process and enhanced the overall passenger experience.

On the issue of NIN verification, the concessionaire clarified that the passenger profile re-verification exercise is a one-time requirement rather than a recurring exercise conducted every two or six months, as suggested in some complaints.

The verification process is intended to strengthen passenger identification, discourage fraudulent ticket transfers and ensure that individuals travelling correspond with the identification details submitted during ticket purchases.

Under the existing arrangement, each available seat is allocated to one passenger, whose identification details are captured electronically.

The NRC explained that these procedures are particularly important given the security challenges previously experienced on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor and the need to maintain strict passenger identification standards.

The Corporation further clarified that although the welfare of minors travelling with their parents or guardians remains a priority, the existing ticketing arrangement does not automatically provide special seat reservations outside the available capacity.

It consequently advised parents and guardians travelling with children to make their bookings promptly and ensure compliance with applicable passenger identification requirements.

The NRC acknowledged that the growing demand for train services reflects increasing public acceptance of railway transportation as a safe, affordable and convenient means of intercity travel.

However, the Corporation noted that the considerable gap between passenger demand and available seating capacity remains a major operational challenge requiring additional rolling stock.

It therefore reiterated the need for increased investment in passenger coaches and other essential railway infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of Nigerians seeking to travel by train.

On efforts to strengthen security and eliminate unauthorised boarding, the Corporation disclosed that particular attention is being directed towards improving access control at Rigasa Station and other critical boarding points along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

It explained that enhanced passenger verification, improved access control facilities and closer collaboration with security agencies would help identify individuals attempting to board trains using tickets purchased under another person’s identity.

The NRC warned that passengers found presenting fraudulent or improperly transferred tickets risk being denied boarding, while individuals involved in criminal activities would be referred to appropriate security agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

Management also reiterated its zero-tolerance position against staff involvement in ticket racketeering, stressing that any employee found facilitating fraudulent ticket transactions would face appropriate disciplinary measures and, where applicable, prosecution.

The Corporation urged intending passengers to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorised agents, emphasising that such transactions expose them to financial losses, identity-related complications and possible rejection during boarding.

It appealed to members of the public to report suspected racketeering activities through appropriate official channels rather than patronising individuals offering tickets outside the approved electronic booking platform.

The NRC further reassured passengers that ongoing improvements in electronic ticketing, passenger verification and station access control form part of broader reforms being implemented under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa to reposition the Corporation for greater operational efficiency, accountability and customer satisfaction.

While acknowledging the frustrations experienced by passengers who are unable to secure tickets despite repeated attempts, Management maintained that technological improvements alone cannot eliminate the fundamental challenge of inadequate seating capacity.

The Corporation therefore appealed for continued public understanding and cooperation while reiterating its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders towards increasing passenger capacity and improving service delivery across the railway network.

The NRC maintained that the unavailability of tickets resulting from overwhelming passenger demand should not be mistaken for ticket racketeering, stressing that the Corporation remains determined to eliminate fraudulent practices, protect genuine passengers and sustain public confidence in railway transportation.