To alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians during the upcoming yuletide season, President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50% reduction in the price of interstate transport fare. This initiative is set to take effect from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Additionally, commuters will enjoy free rides on all train services within the specified period.
The announcement was made by Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during a press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday. Alake outlined the details of the special presidential intervention, emphasizing its aim to benefit Nigerians traveling during the holiday season.
“It is in this wise that the President is announcing through us that beginning from tomorrow, December 21, Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via mini buses, luxury buses at 50 per cent discount of current cost and all our train services on the route the trains currently serve at zero cost on their travels this holiday season,” stated Alake.
He further clarified that the Federal Government, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, would work to ensure the seamless implementation of this initiative.
“I can tell you that all the relevant stakeholders in that industry have been discussed with or been engaged, and all the parameters laid out and the Minister of Transportation has the full details and it’s on top of the game. In fact, the Presidents of the various transport unions have been met…and everything is in top shape in terms of execution,” he assured.
However, the initiative excludes air travel, as Alake explained, “The initiative is for the masses. Air is luxury. The masses don’t use air transport. So they are our main target.”