President Bola Tinubu’s government has announced it will pay 50 per cent of transport fares for interstate road travellers to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Disclosing this on his X on Wednesday, Mr Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, mentioned that train rides would be free during the period.

He said the policy would commence on Thursday and end on January 4, 2024.

“President Tinubu says federal government will bear 50% of the transport fares for interstate road travellers during Christmas and New Year. Train rides will be absolutely free,” said Mr Onanuga. “The policy takes effect from 21 December and ends 4 January 2024.”

According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via minibuses and luxury buses at a 50 per cent discount of current cost and all our train services on the route the trains currently serve at zero cost on their travels this holiday season.

“The federal government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will be working with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly deliver on this special presidential initiative,” stated Mr Alake. 

He added, “I can tell you that all the relevant stakeholders in that industry have been discussed with or been engaged and all the parameters laid out, and the minister of transportation has the full details, and it’s on top of the game.”