The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engineer Fidet Okhiria, exclusively informed the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday that the individuals apprehended for ticket racketeering were employees of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and not affiliated with the NRC.
Despite the incident, Engineer Fidet Okhiria confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that the complimentary train ride has been prolonged until January 7, 2024.
During an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Engineer Fidet Okhiria disclosed that the detained workers, implicated in ticket racketeering at the Ebute-Metta train station, were attempting to exploit vulnerabilities stemming from the closure of ticketing stations across all NRC-operated stations.
The NRC MD clarified, “The individuals apprehended are not my employees but rather staff of the CCECC. It’s important to note that we have temporarily shut down all ticketing stations at our various train stations to prevent disorderly situations as people seek to benefit from the free ticket period initiated by the Federal Government.”
He continued, “The CCECC workers were unaware of this development and attempted to take advantage of passengers through ticket racketeering due to the high demand for tickets. They are not associated with my workforce; they are CCECC employees.”
Regarding the extension of the free train ride, Engineer Fidet Okhiria explained that it has been prolonged until January 7, 2024.
“I contacted you earlier to share the news that the complimentary ticket period has been prolonged and will now conclude on January 7, 2024,” exclusively conveyed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to the Nigerian Tribune.
Recalling the approval by President Bola Tinubu on December 20, 2023, a 50 percent discount for inter-state road travels and a 100 percent discount for train trips during Christmas celebrations with family was announced. Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, revealed this development during a briefing with state house correspondents, indicating that the discount would be in effect from December 21 to January 4, 2024.
“In consideration of the country’s economic challenges, which President Tinubu is diligently addressing, he desires Nigerians to travel within the country to reunite with their loved ones without the financial burden of high inter-state transportation costs,” explained Alake.
He further elaborated that, starting the following day, there would be special discounted holiday season fares for road transport, with a 50% reduction in luxury bus costs, and zero-fare for train services across Nigeria during the holiday season.
To implement this discount, the federal government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will collaborate with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Alake emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a joyous holiday season for Nigerians and highlighted President Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to collaborate in maintaining safety.
“We encourage everyone to be law-abiding, security-conscious, and extend goodwill to family, friends, and neighbors. Let’s work collectively to make our country the best it can be,” urged Alake. He reminded citizens to celebrate responsibly and in moderation.
Upon contacting Austin Mao, an official from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for comment, he assured our reporter that he would respond, but as of the time of filing this report, no response had been received.
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