In the spirit of the 2023 Yuletide season, the Federal Government has introduced measures to alleviate the impact of rising inter-state transportation fares across the country. Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Presidential Intervention and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50 per cent rebate in inter-state land transportation fares across 28 luxurious bus routes nationwide from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
Additionally, President Tinubu has given the green light for zero fares for train commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Warri-Itakpe corridors during the same period. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on citizens travelling during the holiday season, considering the recent surge in inter-state transportation costs.
Mr. Alake emphasized the President’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians have a memorable and happy holiday season. He stated that the special discounted holiday season fare on road transport and zero-fare by rail would be in effect from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. This move is in recognition of the economic challenges facing the country, and the President desires to enable Nigerians to travel without the extra burden of exorbitant transportation costs.
Luxury bus routes operating across major inter-state transportation hubs, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and others, will be eligible for the 50 percent discount. The Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, will facilitate the seamless implementation of this special presidential intervention.
Furthermore, necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of commuters during the holiday period. The President has directed security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services, and the Military, to collaborate and guarantee a secure environment for citizens.
Minister for Transportation, Saedu Alkali, explained the decision to engage luxury bus unions in executing the program, citing their organized structures across the country. He emphasized the need for a well-structured approach, considering the security situation in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured Nigerians that President Tinubu intends to implement more interventions during national holidays. He emphasized that the 50 per cent reduction in the cost of road transportation during this year’s Yuletide season is part of ongoing efforts to address citizens’ needs during festive periods.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and safe transportation for citizens, fostering a positive and memorable holiday experience for Nigerians. As the program unfolds, citizens are encouraged to be law-abiding, security-conscious, and extend goodwill to families, friends, and neighbours.
