President Bola Tinubu has granted a 50% reduction in interstate transport fare for travelers during the yuletide, effective from Thursday, December 21, 2023, until January 4, 2024.
Additionally, the President authorized free train rides for commuters throughout this period.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, made this announcement at the Aso Rock Villa, conveying the President’s directive to State House Correspondents on Wednesday.
Alake explained, “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.
“This special presidential intervention will commence tomorrow, Thursday, December 21 and it will end on January 4, 2024.”
He emphasized that the Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, would ensure smooth execution of this initiative.
Alake assured, “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will be working with transporters, road transport unions, the Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly deliver on this special presidential initiative.”
However, he clarified that air travel was not part of the initiative, citing its focus on the masses.
“The initiative is for the masses. Air is luxury. The masses don’t use air transport. So they are our main target,” he elaborated.
