The National Association of Nigerian Students has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the 2023 yuletide season transport discount, calling for further students’ support for his administration.

The President of NANS, Mr Pedro Obi, gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu while appreciating Mr Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

The Federal Government, through the Chairman, Inter-ministerial Committee on the Presidential Intervention on Public Transportation, Mr Dele Alake, announced plans to subsidise luxury buses for ease of transportation for citizens willing to travel this festive holiday.

Mr Obi said that the decision demonstrated Mr Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and showcased a proactive step towards alleviating the burdens faced by travellers during this festive period.

 According to him, NANS extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mr Tinubu for his exemplary initiative in implementing a 50 per cent transport discount for travellers during the festive season.

 The NANS president, who acknowledged the gesture as a positive step, extolled Mr Tinubu’s sensitivity to the needs of the people, especially during a time when travel expenses could be particularly burdensome.

He said: “This discount undoubtedly eases the financial strain on many Nigerians, making it more feasible for them to reunite with their loved ones and partake in the festivities. However, while appreciating this thoughtful gesture, NANS, in its advocacy for students’ welfare, encourages President Tinubu to consider extending this generosity further for the students across the nation.

 “Recognising the financial challenges faced by students, especially during the holiday season, NANS urges President Tinubu to further alleviate the burden by offering free transport to students who can be identified with their student identity cards.”

 Mr Obi said that NANS understood the importance of supporting the educational pursuits of Nigerian students and firmly believes that such an extension of the transport discount to students would significantly alleviate their financial challenges.

 This, he said, would enable the students to travel to their various homes without undue financial constraints.

 He stated, “NANS remains committed to advocating the welfare and interests of Nigerian students and eagerly anticipates further positive actions that prioritise the well-being of the nation’s students and youths.’’

Mr Alake, who is also Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said that Mr Tinubu’s approval of a 50 per cent cut in land transportation fares from December 21 to January 4, 2024, across the country, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Mr Alake said the president had also approved zero fare for train transportation in all the states of the federation within the same period, adding that “this presidential initiative is to give succour to the masses.’’

The minister, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the logistics for the implementation had been worked out between the minister of transportation, the transport unions and luxury bus owners.

(NAN)