Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has instituted a 50 % reduction in transport fares for individuals with disabilities who use the state‑owned Benue Links Nigeria Ltd. The policy, announced by the company’s General Manager Comrade Alexander Fanafa, took effect immediately and follows the governor’s recent domestication of the national Disability Act in Benue, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the needs of people with disabilities.
Fanafa noted that the governor has been proactive in addressing the transportation requirements of both Benue residents and other Nigerians who rely on the company’s services. When the administration assumed office, Benue Links faced a severe shortage of vehicles and depended on leased buses to maintain operations. In November 2023, Governor Alia donated 100 buses to the firm, and the fleet has since been expanded with an additional 10 buses and 10 sedan cars for taxi services.
The fare reduction is a central element of the governor’s inclusivity initiative. Eligible passengers will pay only half of the standard fare and will receive preferential treatment when traveling with Benue Links. This measure aims to give people with disabilities a greater sense of belonging in society and equal access to transportation.
The company’s competitive pricing and enlarged fleet have also prompted private operators to lower their fares, benefiting all commuters. The governor’s directive has been welcomed as a positive step toward greater accessibility and equality in the transport sector, and it is expected to significantly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in Benue State by making transportation more affordable and accessible.
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