In a move to alleviate travel expenses for Nigerians during the festive season, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced significant concessions for holiday travelers.
The federal government, under Tinubu’s leadership, will subsidize 50% of transport fares for interstate road journeys across the country during the Christmas and New Year period.
Additionally, President Tinubu has declared complimentary train rides throughout the nation, effective from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a briefing with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Alake emphasized that the logistical aspects of the initiative have been thoroughly coordinated between the Ministry of Transportation, transport unions, and luxury bus owners.
He conveyed President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can travel within the country to reunite with loved ones without the financial strain of exorbitant interstate public transport costs.
“To facilitate this, the Federal Government is unveiling a special discounted holiday season fare for road transport, commencing tomorrow. This entails a 50% reduction in the current cost of luxury bus transportation.
Furthermore, all train services operating within their existing routes will be provided at zero cost during this holiday season,” explained Alake.
To implement these concessions, the federal government will collaborate with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Alake concluded by highlighting President Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to ensure a safe holiday period, urging Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and contribute to making the country a better place for all.
