Transportation costs across Nigeria have been reduced by 50% after President Bola Tinubu granted his approval. Starting December 21st until January 4th, the president has instructed that all train journeys within Nigeria shall be exempt from charges. On December 20, 2023, at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, disclosed the directive during a briefing with State House correspondents. In the presence of journalists, the minister took the stage with crucial figures including Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, Saidu Alkali, their counterpart in transportation, and Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
During a meeting, Mr. Alake, the committee chair, disclosed that he had already engaged with various transportation bodies throughout Nigeria. The outcome of these discussions led to a mutual understanding that the government would absorb half of the transportation expenses, which would be determined by the prevailing prices at the time of the meeting. The minister emphasized that the primary focus of the president is the common people, thus excluding air transportation from the arrangement. President Bola Tinubu, in a testament to his affection for Nigerians during the Christmas season and culmination of the year’s celebrations, has granted his endorsement for the Federal Government to step in and alleviate the expenses associated with public transportation.
All Nigerians should relish the freedom of traversing the country.
Elaborately, this initiative aims to enable fellow countrymen who wish to journey and reunite with their families and hometowns during this period, without encountering any hardships caused by exorbitant transportation costs. The recent surge in expenses for inter-state transportation and Air Travel has not escaped the attention of the President, who is fully cognizant of this matter. Throughout history, it has been a customary tradition for Nigerian citizens to embark on journeys during the festive season of Christmas and the year’s end, in order to reunite with their loved ones and acquaintances. The worldwide phenomenon of increased domestic travel, as well as the movement of individuals, products, and services, consistently reaches its highest point during the Christmas season and the end of the year. This is primarily due to the strong societal and emotional influence associated with this period, which transport companies take advantage of by significantly raising their prices.
Nigerian President, Tinubu, acknowledges the prevailing economic condition within the nation, to which he is wholeheartedly dedicated to rectifying. Consequently, he desires all Nigerians to relish the freedom of traversing the country, regardless of their chosen destination, to reunite with their cherished companions, unencumbered by excessive fees for inter-state public transportation. The Federal Government of Nigeria is unveiling a remarkable initiative whereby a distinctive promotional offer will be introduced for the upcoming holiday season. This unprecedented gesture entails offering reduced fares for road transportation and completely eliminating charges for rail travel throughout the entire country. Starting tomorrow, Nigerians who desire to travel have the opportunity to avail a remarkable 50% reduction in the fare of public transportation, encompassing minibuses and extravagant buses. Moreover, all train services operating along their regular routes will be completely free for travellers during this festive season.
Reduced transport costs will end on January 4, 2024.
The presidential intervention was slated to kick off, starting on December 21, and will come to a conclusion precisely on January 4, 2024. In order to successfully implement this special presidential initiative, the Ministry of Transportation, in conjunction with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, will collaborate under the guidance of the Federal Government. Nigerians who have the desire to venture on inter-state journeys across the nation can do so while only paying half of the usual fare. This exciting opportunity will be available for those departing from well-known transportation hubs such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and other major inter-state destinations.
Also, President Tinubu and his administration at the Federal Government are putting in relentless efforts to ensure that Nigerians experience a holiday season filled with cherished moments and joy. The President has already commanded multiple Security agencies, such as the Police, Department of State Services, and the Military, to join forces and guarantee a secure holiday season for every nook and cranny of the nation, devoid of any security infringements. As Nigerians extend their warm greetings for the holiday season to all fellow Nigerians, the government emphasize the importance of upholding the law, prioritizing security, supporting each other, and fostering goodwill towards loved ones and neighbours.
Minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians.
Everyone should strive to contribute positively within their own capacities, with a collective aim to create the extraordinary nation that is yearned for. As everyone rejoices in the festivities and embraces the multitude of social engagements that accompany this season, it is equally imperative that they bear in mind the importance of celebrating with restraint. In anticipation of the upcoming festive season, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. May the joyous occasion of Christmas and the promising dawn of the New Year bring forth happiness and success to everyone.
