The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has taken rigorous sanctions, including terminations, against several staff members accused in ticket racketeering in a definitive stance against illicit activities inside its ranks. Mr. Fidet Okhiria, the NRC’s Managing Director, made this admission during an interactive session hosted by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, giving light on the corporation’s commitment to tackling internal misbehavior.
During the session, Okhiria underscored the NRC’s collaborative efforts with security agencies to combat ticket racketeering effectively. The joint initiative aims to not only root out dishonest practices but also to fortify the integrity of the railway’s operations and uphold public trust.
Expressing concern over the modest N345 million income remitted in 2023, Committee Chairman James Faleke emphasized the need for the railway to become self-funded for its operations. Faleke further advocated that surplus revenue generated should be remitted to the government, highlighting the pivotal role financial autonomy plays in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the railway sector.
Faleke stated, “Our concern is that if we expect substantial revenue from NRC and we aren’t getting it, then there is a problem. I think we should take the decision that the railway should be self-funded to take care of its operations and remit to the government the surplus.”
In response to these concerns, NRC assured its commitment to eradicating corrupt practices within its workforce. The corporation emphasized its readiness to continue pursuing staff members engaged in activities that tarnish its image. Encouraging public involvement, NRC urged individuals to report such cases, assuring the swift and appropriate handling of any reported incidents.
