By Salim Yunusa
Following the recent launching of the N900m e-ticketing platform for the online purchase of tickets at the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, there has been a public outcry regarding the cost of the platform, SAHELIAN TIMES investigates.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, launched the N900 million e-ticketing platform virtually, saying the platform will solve commuters’ complaint of ticket racketeering.
According to him, the online ticketing which marks the beginning of automation of ticket sales in all major stations in Abuja-Kaduna train service is in line with global world best practices.
Amaechi said the platform was a public-private partnership (PPP), valued at N900 million, of which the concessionaire, Secure ID Solutions, would provide and manage for 10 years to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
He said the platform would enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability as well as reduce leakage and promote economic growth.
Many Nigerians, however, are calling for transparency and accountability over how expensive the platform is. Columnist and public analyst, Gimba Kakanda tweeted “I think there should be a proper breakdown of how an e-ticketing platform costs this much. It’s not enough to just name a figure and the concessionaire engaged to manage it.”
A web designer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that “with less than N10m, the platform can be designed and launched successfully. I’m not sure if maintaining the platform is what’s making it so expensive” he said
