The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has denied involvement in alleged train ticket racketeering on the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor, following public complaints that passengers struggle to obtain tickets through official channels but can find them through agents at higher prices. The controversy has renewed questions about the effectiveness of the railway’s electronic booking system and the corporation’s ability to prevent unauthorised ticket sales.
The allegations followed a viral social media video by Instagram blogger Faizah Raji, who operates under the handle @wearegst. She accused the corporation of creating artificial ticket shortages and allowing unofficial agents to resell tickets at inflated prices.
In its response on October 15, 2026, the NRC rejected the accusation and maintained that it does not directly buy or sell tickets on the route. The corporation instead pointed to high passenger demand, fraudulent intermediaries and weaknesses in station security as factors contributing to the problem.
Train Ticket Racketeering Allegations Spark Concern
Raji said she attempted to purchase a ticket through the official electronic booking platform but could not secure one. She later contacted an agent who allegedly offered her a ticket at a price significantly above the official fare.
Reports on the incident stated that the agent requested ₦7,000 for a regular adult ticket, compared with the ₦3,600 official fare cited by the blogger. This would represent an additional ₦3,400 for a single journey if the reported figures are accurate.
The experience raised concerns among passengers who depend on the Abuja–Kaduna train service for work, business and other essential journeys. When official tickets appear unavailable, travellers may feel pressured to seek alternatives, increasing their exposure to fraud and inflated prices.
However, the allegations do not independently establish that NRC officials deliberately withheld tickets or participated in the reported transactions. The corporation has denied those claims and urged passengers to obtain tickets through approved platforms.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the private companies responsible for electronic ticketing. According to the NRC, SecureID/TPS manages ticketing for the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service under a public-private partnership arrangement.
NRC Attributes Shortages to High Demand
The corporation said demand for railway travel has exceeded available seating capacity by more than tenfold, creating a significant gap between the number of passengers seeking tickets and the seats available on trains.
Although this explanation offers a reason for the reported shortages, it also highlights the pressure facing the railway service as more Nigerians seek alternatives to road travel. Limited capacity can make ticket access difficult, especially when demand rises around busy travel periods.
The NRC also explained that the Federal Government introduced the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement for train ticket purchases after the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack. The measure aimed to strengthen passenger identification and reduce ticket fraud.
However, the corporation claimed that some individuals later exploited identity loopholes by obtaining multiple NINs to purchase tickets for resale. Such practices, if established, could undermine efforts to ensure that legitimate passengers can book seats at approved prices.
The NRC further acknowledged weaknesses in the access-control arrangements at Rigasa station in Kaduna. It said these limitations have sometimes made it difficult for security personnel to prevent suspected fraudsters from overwhelming station controls.
NRC Introduces Stricter Verification Measures
To address the problem, the corporation said it introduced a double-verification process in 2025. Under the system, officials check the passenger’s NIN against the details used during booking and require personal identification before boarding.
The NRC explained that its verification system connects with the National Identity Management Commission database. Officials at Idu and Kubwa stations in Abuja, as well as Rigasa station in Kaduna, can use the system to check the photograph associated with the NIN used for a ticket purchase.
The corporation has also directed its ticketing providers to improve access to their electronic booking platforms. It warned that any employee found participating in ticket racketeering or colluding with offenders would face disciplinary action.
Passengers, meanwhile, have been advised to avoid unofficial agents and purchase tickets only through approved channels. The warning is intended to reduce the risk of financial losses and prevent travellers from attempting to board with tickets linked to another person’s identity.
Despite these measures, the latest train ticket racketeering controversy has renewed calls for better ticket availability, transparent booking procedures and stronger enforcement. Improving access to official tickets will be important in protecting passengers and rebuilding public confidence in the Abuja–Kaduna railway service.
