The federal government on Monday said it would offer free train service to all Nigerians from December 20 up until January 5, 2025.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Idris said the free train service was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s desire to cushion the effect of high transportation costs for the most vulnerable Nigerians.

“Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sallah period. And Mr President has also approved that this year, from December 20 to January 5, there will be free train transport service nationwide,” he said.

The minister also said FEC approved a proposal by Mr Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour General Yakubu Gowon.

“The University of Abuja will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University. Of course, the processing will have to go to the National Assembly for all legislation in that direction.

“But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman,” said Mr Idris.

He also said the council commended Mr Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.

He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from December 18 to January 6, 2025.