In a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Wednesday, concerns were raised about the low revenue generated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), News About Nigeria reports.
The Office of the Accountant General for the Federation reported that the NRC remitted only N345 million in revenue for the year 2023, covering the period from January to September.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the NRC, appeared before the committee during the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) interactive session in Abuja.
Responding to questions from the committee led by James Faleke, Okhiria acknowledged instances of ticket racketeering by NRC staff, resulting in revenue losses.
He stated that the culprits had been dismissed, and those involved in lesser offences were demoted.
During the session, concerns were raised about the revenue generated by the NRC, prompting discussions about the need for the railway to be self-funded and contribute surpluses to the government.
Faleke expressed worry about the shortfall in expected revenue, emphasising the importance of addressing the issue.
In response to social media clips depicting ticket racketeering by NRC staff, Okhiria attributed the problem to being tackled through the implementation of e-ticketing, a measure already approved by the government.
He mentioned ongoing collaboration with security agencies to address the issue.
On a different note, Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu-led administration to the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces and families of fallen heroes.
Shettima, after being decorated with the emblem of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, expressed solidarity with the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice, emphasising the need to support them.
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, also stressed the significance of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, calling on Nigerians to remember and contribute resources through the Nigerian Legion for the welfare of the families of fallen heroes.
