Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a bid to ease the financial burden of holiday travels, the Nigerian government has introduced measures to provide relief to its citizens during the festive season. Announced on Wednesday, the initiative includes complimentary train rides and a 50% reduction in public bus fares nationwide.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and head of the inter-ministerial committee on presidential intervention, emphasized that the goal is to enable domestic travellers to visit loved ones and hometowns “without stress and the extra burden imposed by the high cost of transport around this period.” The move is seen as a gesture to enhance citizens’ well-being during the festive season.
The discounted inter-state fares and free train rides, effective from December 21 to January 4, result from a collaboration with luxury bus companies operating across 22 routes nationwide. President Bola Tinubu has approved this initiative, which notably prioritizes the masses, according to Mr. Alake.
Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the substantial reduction in bus fares and the provision of free train rides will allow “every Nigerian to partake in the joy of the season without the burden of exorbitant transportation costs.” This move is poised to make holiday travel more accessible and affordable for the general population.
Segun Falade, the spokesperson for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has affirmed that bus operators will comply with the agreed-upon fare subsidy. This collaborative effort aims to alleviate the financial burden on commuters and foster a more sustainable and affordable transportation system. The commitment to this subsidy reflects a shared responsibility between stakeholders in ensuring accessible and reasonably priced public transportation services for the benefit of the general population. This collaborative effort between the government and transportation stakeholders aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens during the busiest month for travel in Nigeria, with the highest number of air, road transport, and railway passengers recorded in December.
