ASSESSING THE SERVICE OF NIGERIA RAILWAY CORPORATION BAUCHI STATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BAUCHI STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the services of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Bauchi Station and its contribution to sustainable tourism development in Bauchi State. The objectives were to examine the infrastructural and operational services of the station, evaluate passenger service quality from the perspective of tourists and local users, and determine the relevance of NRC Bauchi services to tourism growth in the state. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 171 respondents, including NRC staff, passengers, and tourism stakeholders, through structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with the aid of SPSS version 26. Findings revealed that the overall service quality at NRC Bauchi Station was rated high, particularly in terms of cleanliness, affordability, and staff professionalism, although train delays and poor maintenance were noted as major operational challenges. Passengers expressed satisfaction and loyalty, as many indicated they would recommend the station to others. However, complaint handling and communication systems were identified as weak areas requiring improvement. The study further established that NRC Bauchi Station contributes significantly to tourism development by enhancing access to key attractions such as Yankari Game Reserve, promoting local employment, and fostering economic growth within Bauchi State. The study concludes that while NRC Bauchi Station demonstrates commendable service quality and supports sustainable tourism, improvements in maintenance culture, schedule reliability, and feedback mechanisms are essential for enhanced performance. It recommends strengthened partnerships between the NRC and tourism stakeholders, regular staff training, and the introduction of integrated transport–tourism packages to maximize the station’s contribution to sustainable tourism development in Bauchi State.
Keywords: Nigeria Railway Corporation, Service Quality, Passenger Satisfaction, Sustainable Tourism, Bauchi State
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