Jelili Gbadamosi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed ticket shortages on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service to overwhelming passenger demand, while denying allegations that the scarcity is deliberately created to facilitate ticket racketeering.
The corporation’s reaction followed a viral video in which blogger Faizah Raji alleged irregularities in ticket sales and said she purchased a ticket from an agent at twice the official price after failing to secure one through the approved e-ticketing platform.
In a statement, the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said passenger demand on the route exceeds available seating capacity by more than ten times.
He explained that ticketing on standard gauge railway corridors is handled by private concessionaires under Public-Private Partnership arrangements, noting that the corporation does not directly sell tickets.
The NRC said it had introduced measures to address ticket racketeering and identity fraud, including stricter passenger identification requirements.
According to the corporation, the Federal Government introduced the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement for train ticket purchases following the 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service.
It added that a second verification procedure was introduced in 2025, requiring passengers to present personal identification before boarding.
The corporation advised passengers to purchase tickets only through authorised channels and avoid agents offering tickets at inflated prices. It also warned passengers against using tickets linked to other people’s identification details.
The NRC further stated that any staff member found collaborating in ticket racketeering would face disciplinary action.
It disclosed that the e-ticketing concessionaires had been directed to improve access to their platforms to make ticket purchases easier for passengers.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, affordable and reliable rail services, while urging passengers to comply with approved ticketing procedures.
