Abuja, Nov. 28, 2024 – The federal government has suspended the resumption of Abuja-Kaduna train services previously scheduled for today.
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, who was on the train ride from Abuja to Kaduna on Sunday, said resumption of services was no longer feasible today due to some ticketing processes that needed to be sorted out.
“The issue of whether the train will start tomorrow or not, we have not said the train services will start tomorrow (Monday). I want to be very categorical about that.
“Now, we have introduced a new system before you buy a ticket.
“The purchase of a ticket requires you to provide a phone number and a National Identification Number (NIN) in order to profile because that is the beginning of the security checks.
“So, at any point in time when a train moves from one station to another we know who and who are on board.
“If you don’t have NIN, you are not going to board our train.
“After buying the ticket, you will be given a barcode that would help you gain access into the lounge, when the machine reads the barcode on your receipt, it shows your complete profile only then will you be allowed to into the the lounge.
“This kind of security measures is according to global best practice as profiling of the passenger is necessary to know who is coming on board.”
“An adult would only register not more than four minors before using the train service.
“It is as simple as that. If you are a minor, an adult will pay for you and will register for you and an adult can only register for not more than four minors,” the minister said.
Sambo said that the corridor had been fully secured and ready for operations.
He said there was need for a little extension by one week to allow the passengers to be properly enlightened on the new process of obtaining tickets and other requirements.
“The number of trips will be reduced. Naturally, you should expect that a certain number of passengers will not be comfortable to board the train for obvious reasons.
“We are human beings; we are bound to feel a little bit uncomfortable until we can see that every security measure has been put in place. So, we will reduce the number of trips and
“Please, expect increase in fares. I am having final consultation with the management of NRC and the management of the ministry to see whether it will be immediate or we will take a little time.” (GBN)
