In a bid to ease transportation costs this Christmas, President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50% discount on road transport fares and free train rides from December 21 to January 4, 2024.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa.
Alake said the presidential intervention aims to allow Nigerians to travel to visit loved ones over the holiday season without the burden of high transport costs.
“President Tinubu wants Nigerians to be able to travel within Nigeria to wherever they want to go to meet their loved ones without the extra burden of paying exorbitantly for inter-state public transportation,” he said.
Starting Thursday, he said Nigerians can board inter-state buses and minibuses for half the normal fare.
He said Train transport will also be free for travellers departing Abuja, Lagos, Kano and other major transportation hubs.
According to him, the discounts will be available until January 4.
He explained that the Ministry of Transportation will collaborate with transport unions and the Railway Corporation to implement the initiative nationwide.
Alake said the government is working hard to ensure Nigerians have a memorable and happy holiday season.
He urged the public to celebrate responsibly and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of President Tinubu.