As the holiday season approaches, President Bola Tinubu has made a compassionate move to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians by instructing a 50% reduction in the cost of public transportation across the country. The gesture extends to providing free train rides from December 21 to January 4, allowing citizens to travel and reunite with their families without the strain of exorbitant transportation expenses.

During a press conference held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, revealed that President Tinubu’s objective is to support the masses during this festive period. Air transportation, however, is not included in the initiative, as the focus remains on benefitting everyday Nigerians.

The decision stems from the President’s acknowledgment of the escalated costs of inter-state transportation and air travel. Traditionally, the holiday season witnesses a surge in travel as people seek to spend time with their loved ones. This trend is not unique to Nigeria, as international movements also peak during this period, prompting transport operators to escalate fares significantly.

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic challenges, President Tinubu’s intervention aims to enable citizens to travel within the country without bearing the burden of inflated inter-state public transportation costs. Effective December 21, the Federal Government will implement a special discounted holiday fare for road transport, offering a 50% reduction in bus fares and free train services within Nigeria until January 4, 2024.

The Ministry of Transportation will collaborate with transport unions and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure the seamless implementation of this presidential directive. Citizens departing from major transportation hubs such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and other inter-state locations can take advantage of the subsidized fares for their journeys.

President Tinubu’s administration is also committed to ensuring a secure holiday period, with directives issued to security agencies to collaborate in maintaining national safety and preventing any security breaches.

As Nigeria anticipates the festive season, citizens are encouraged to comply with the law, remain vigilant, and uphold a spirit of unity and goodwill towards one another. President Tinubu, through his administration, extends warm wishes for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Nigerians, while emphasizing the importance of celebrating responsibly.

In conclusion, this initiative embodies President Tinubu’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians, aiming to provide a memorable and stress-free holiday season for all.