SAN FRANCISCO, August 11, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi has ordered the removal of station managers, porters, and ticket officials at Idu and Rigasa rail stations over alleged ticket racketeering at the stations.
While inspecting the Abuja-Kaduna rail stations on Friday in Abuja, he stated that the directive has become imperative following passengers’ complaints about racketeering of VIP tickets at the stations.
The minister also decried the poor maintenance of the facilities, as well as the untidy surroundings at the stations.
“I am removing the station managers in Idu and Rigasa, the porters and ticket officials will be removed let’s see if it will resolve the complaints of passengers using the rail.
“Some of them have complained on the social media, I believe that if any system fails, it is because the leaders allow it to fail and I will not allow that.
“The money we are spending monthly, is it just for diesel alone? Is it for general maintenance of all the stations and the environment, we will fix the lift within one week to ensure that passengers use it for their luggage,’’ he said.
He expressed optimism that the removal of all the officials would put a stop to workers’ nonchalant attitude towards work and end the ticket racketeering in the stations.
The Manager, Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, Mr Paschal Nnorli revealed that he has had to disguise as a passenger to be able to confirm complaints by passengers.
Nnorli disclosed that one of the portal boys was caught in the act.
Reports say the 11 ticket officials affected at the two stations are to be replaced, even as the minister also scrapped the use of porter’s boys for carrying luggage.
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