Nigerian Government Extends Free Train Rides

The Nigerian government has prolonged the initiative of providing free train rides until Sunday to alleviate the financial burden on travelers returning from various destinations post the festive period. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this development at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday. This extension, a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC, aims to facilitate the movement of Nigerians who undertook travels during the festive period. Okhiria emphasized the significance of passengers availing the option to book their tickets online to mitigate overcrowding at the terminals. Furthermore, the NRC Chief urged passengers to ensure the acquisition of their tickets from legitimate channels without incurring any costs, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the regulations for accessing the trains. He commended the Federal Government for the extension, asserting that it would alleviate the financial burden on travelers. It is worth noting that the NRC initiated the free train rides on December 21, 2023, for all its passenger services in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive. Originally intended to conclude on Thursday, the free service has now been prolonged until Sunday, providing continued relief to travelers navigating transportation expenses.