President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for a Federal Government intervention to alleviate financial burdens on citizens traveling for Christmas and the end-of-year celebrations. The primary goal is to make it more accessible for Nigerians to visit their loved ones and hometowns by mitigating the high costs associated with public transportation.
Acknowledging the recent surge in inter-state transportation and air travel expenses, President Tinubu has expressed awareness of the traditional practice of increased travel during the holiday season. Understanding the economic challenges facing the country, he seeks to provide relief to citizens, allowing them to travel without the added burden of exorbitant transport costs.
Starting tomorrow, Thursday, December 21, the Federal Government will implement a special discounted holiday season fare for road transport, offering a 50% reduction in the current cost of minibuses and luxury buses. Additionally, all train services operating on their existing routes will be made available at zero cost during this holiday season.
This presidential initiative is set to run until January 4, 2024. The Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, will ensure the seamless execution of this special intervention.
The discounted fare will be applicable to inter-state travel from major transportation hubs such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and other significant routes.
President Tinubu has also directed security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services, and the Military, to collaborate in ensuring a safe holiday period across the country.
As Nigerians embark on their holiday travels, the call for lawfulness, security consciousness, and goodwill towards one another has been emphasized. The President encourages moderation in celebrating the season and wishes all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in advance. The special transportation arrangement covers luxury buses on 22 designated routes, with minibuses excluded from the initiative.
