In a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, announced that the Federal Government has reduced public transport fares across Nigeria by 50%.
The initiative, in celebration of the Yuletide season, will be effective from December 21 to January 4, 2024.
“It is in this wise that the Federal Government is announcing, beginning from tomorrow (Thursday), a special discounted holiday season fare on road transport and zero-fare by rail across Nigeria.
“What this means is that from tomorrow (Thursday), Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via luxury buses at a 50% discount of current cost and all our train services on the routes the trains currently serve at zero cost to-and-fro on their travels this holiday season.”
Alake specified that the discounted fares apply to luxury buses, offering a significant reduction for travelers. Additionally, rail services will be provided at zero cost on applicable routes during the holiday period.
The minister clarified that air travel is excluded from this initiative, as the focus is on benefiting the masses. President Bola Tinubu endorsed this effort, emphasizing his commitment to easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
Alake conveyed President Tinubu’s directives to security agencies to collaborate in ensuring a safe holiday period, with particular attention to preventing security breaches across the country.
As he extended holiday wishes to Nigerians, the minister urged citizens to be law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of one another, emphasizing the importance of moderation in celebrating the season.
“While we wish all Nigerians a great holiday season, we implore everyone to be law-abiding, be security conscious, be our brother’s keepers, and extend every goodwill to our families, friends and neighbours.
“While we celebrate and enjoy all the social activities that come with the season, let us also remember to celebrate in moderation,” he stated.
Ada Peter
