The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Fidet Okhiria, said that Nigerians intending to travel by rail should get their National Identity Number ready as it would be a requirement from May 2022.
The commission disclosed in Abuja that the NIN would be needed to enhance the profiling of passengers, which he said would also enhance the safety and security of rail users.
This move may not be unconnected to the recent terror attack on an Abuja-Kaduna bound train, where many passengers were killed and injured, with hundreds yet displaced – purportedly abducted by the yet-unidentified suspected terrorists.
“The process of linking passengers to their NIN for improved profiling is ongoing. This layer of passenger screening will commence by May.
“The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service will resume as soon as possible with additional security measures put in place,’’ Okhiria stated.
The NRC suspended the Abuja-Kaduna route following a March 28 daring attack by assailants, who injured passengers and kidnapped many.
Okhiria said the security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure the rescue and release of all abductees, noting that 362 passengers and 20 crew members were aboard the train when it was plundered.
“While we continue to sympathise with families of those who lost or have not seen their loved ones, we encourage anyone still looking for a loved one to please call us.
“The numbers to call are 08033546208, 08060044600 and 07066700150.
“The corporation will continue to update the general public of the latest developments,’’ he stated.
NAN
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