Experts have called for improved security as e-ticketing for the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri train routes was launched by the Nigeria Railway Corporation on Wednesday.
The PUNCH reported that the goal of the e-ticketing system, which was introduced in Abuja by the Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Alkali, is to use technology to transform the effectiveness of transportation.
The Minister emphasized that the government’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption will be furthered by the e-ticketing system, which would also end ticket racketeering.
Anticipating the implementation of the e-ticketing system, he cited a notable increase in earnings from the Itakpe-Warri route as evidence of the project’s ability to raise income.
Though the program has received praise from professionals in the tech industry, they have also highlighted the need for more knowledge in order to reduce cybersecurity threats.
They cautioned that in order to protect themselves from scammers who might take advantage of the new system, Nigerians need to be educated.
The founder of Hyperspace Technologies, Oluseyi Akindeinde, highlighted the need for widespread understanding in order to allay worries about the legitimacy of tickets.
In order to build trust in the new payment mechanism, he recommended deploying techniques like radio jingles, television demos, and massive marketing campaigns to instruct Nigerians on how to use the e-ticketing system and recognize authentic tickets.
“Nigerians should be able to use the e-ticketing system and tell the difference between genuine and fake tickets,” he declared.
A cybersecurity analyst at SAP, Chukwuka Madumere, stated that the implementation of e-ticketing is a major step towards a more efficient and safe rail transportation system, but caution and awareness are still essential to its successful implementation.
The NRC revealed last month that nine of its employees had engaged in ticket defrauding at the Ibadan train station.
The managing director, Fidet Okharia, pledged to implement sufficient safeguards to stop anyone without tickets from entering the departure lounge when the train is being boarded.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line contract is under the jurisdiction of Fare Solution Ltd., whilst Global Software and Digital Solutions will be in charge of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line deal.
Early in 2023, the Federal Executive Council authorized e-ticketing contracts for both train routes, allotting a total of N1.96 billion for these undertakings.
NIN is also needed in order to make a train reservation on the website. Payment is planned to be made when a train reservation is made; the website will connect visitors to a Flutterwave website to make debit card payments.
