Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to curb ticket racketeering, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the termination of employment for staff involved in this illegal activity. Other employees found to be connected to the racket were demoted, as revealed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, during the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) interactive session before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Wednesday.
The move comes as a response to the rampant ticket racketeering that has plagued the NRC in recent times. This criminal activity has not only caused immense financial loss to the organization but has also inconvenienced countless passengers and undermined public trust in the railway system.
Addressing the committee members, Managing Director Fidet Okhiria expressed the NRC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization. Okhiria warned that any staff member involved in ticket racketeering would face severe consequences, reflecting the NRC’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Okhiria stated, “We have taken decisive action against those involved in ticket racketeering within the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Those found guilty have been sacked, while others implicated in this illicit activity have been demoted. We are determined to restore the integrity of our operations and provide a reliable and efficient service to the Nigerian people.”
Although the exact number of staff members affected by the dismissals and demotions was not provided, the NRC assured that the internal disciplinary process aimed to identify all those involved in the ticket racketeering network.
The NRC’s crackdown on ticket racketeering reflects the organization’s commitment to improve customer service and streamline operations. The NRC has been modernizing its services, with the recent introduction of online ticket sales and electronic ticket validation systems to reduce the influence of unauthorized ticket agents trying to manipulate the system.
Furthermore, the NRC emphasizes its commitment to cooperating with relevant law enforcement agencies to prosecute those involved in ticket racketeering. By implementing stricter controls and procedures, the NRC aims to restore public confidence in the railway system and ensure a fair and reliable ticketing system for all passengers.
This decisive action against ticket racketeering by the NRC marks a significant step towards eradicating corruption within the organization and reaffirms its dedication to transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
