Despite the widespread adoption of cashless payment systems across various sectors in Nigeria, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) continues to require cash for its transactions, particularly for fares on the Lagos‑Ibadan route. While many businesses are embracing point‑of‑sale (PoS) terminals and online banking, NRC officials have been observed refusing bank transfers and not using PoS services.
A visit to the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Lagos revealed that ticket agents accepted only newly issued naira notes. The same practice was observed at the Babatunde Fashola Station, where ticketing staff also rejected older notes. One official explained that management prohibits bank transfers and the deployment of PoS machines, citing company policy.
Passenger Ahmed Ogunsanya recounted his experience: he was forced to pay with the few new notes he had, supplemented by N100 bills, because the ticket clerk would not accept his old currency. “I paid with the little new notes I had on me and added N100 notes to it too. The ticket man refused to collect old notes from me. Now I don’t even know if ‘danfo’ will collect it from me,” he said.
District Manager for Lagos, NRC Augustine Arisa, acknowledged the cash‑only policy, stating that “everybody is faced with the challenge” and confirming that the corporation is collecting only new notes. “We are not using PoS. If it is not e‑ticketing, you pay cash. Until we are given the go‑ahead on e‑ticketing, the implication is that people who don’t have the new notes won’t be able to use the facility,” he explained.
Another passenger described the management’s decision to accept only new naira notes as “impromptu, ill‑timed and embarrassing,” highlighting the inconvenience caused to commuters.
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