In an effort to alleviate the financial strain associated with holiday travel, the Nigerian government has announced a series of measures, including complimentary train rides and a 50% reduction in public bus fares nationwide during the festive season. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development and head of the inter-ministerial committee on presidential intervention, emphasized the initiative’s aim to make domestic travelers’ visits stress-free.
According to Alake, the discounted inter-state fares and free train rides will be in effect from Thursday through January 4. President Bola Tinubu has endorsed this initiative, which was developed in collaboration with luxury bus companies operating on 22 routes across the country.
While air transportation is not included in this arrangement, Alake emphasized that the primary focus is on the masses. Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali affirmed that the substantial reduction in bus fares and the provision of free train rides aim to ensure that every Nigerian can partake in the festive season’s joy without the burden of exorbitant transportation costs.
Segun Falade, spokesperson for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, confirmed that bus operators will implement the fare subsidy as agreed. December typically witnesses heightened travel activity in Nigeria, with a surge in air, road transport, and railway passengers during this bustling holiday month.
