Nigeria: Tinubu Offers Free Train Service and 50% Off Bus Fare for XMas

President Bola Tinubu recently unveiled a significant initiative aimed at alleviating the financial strain of travel for Nigerians during the festive season. Starting tomorrow, luxury bus travellers will benefit from a 50% fare reduction, while all train services across the country will be offered free of charge during the yuletide period.

The government’s decision to slash transportation costs comes as a much-needed relief for citizens grappling with the high expenses associated with commuting, particularly during the holiday season.

Addressing the press at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, alongside Minister of Information Mohammed Idriss, Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali, and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, elaborated on the initiative’s implementation.

“Effective immediately, Nigerians planning inter-state travel from major transportation hubs such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and others will enjoy a 50% discount on transportation fares,” announced Minister Alake.

This intervention aims to mitigate the burdensome costs associated with travel during the festive period. Working in collaboration with luxury bus companies, the government has negotiated reduced prices along 22 interstate routes.

Minister Alake emphasised that President Tinubu acknowledges the recent surge in inter-state and air travel costs, especially during the holiday season. The initiative seeks to enable Nigerians to reunite with loved ones and visit their hometowns without the added financial strain imposed by escalated transportation expenses.

“This special presidential intervention will be effective from Thursday, December 21, until January 4, 2024. During this period, all train services will operate at no cost, providing Nigerians with an affordable means of travel across the country,” Minister Alake affirmed.

The Ministry of Transportation will collaborate closely with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly execute this special presidential initiative.

While announcing this relief measure, the government reassured citizens of concerted efforts to ensure a safe holiday season, urging everyone to maintain lawfulness, exhibit vigilance, and extend goodwill to fellow citizens.

Minister of Transportation highlighted that existing train services between Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itapke, and Abuja-Kaduna will maintain their regular schedules throughout this period.

Minister of Information and National Orientation emphasised that this gesture is not a one-time initiative and will be repeated as deemed necessary by the government.

This initiative seeks to ease the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration across the nation.