President Tinubu Announces 50% Cut In Transport Fares, Free Train Rides For Festive Season

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50% reduction in public transport fares and announced free train services across the country for the festive season.

Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake made the announcement Wednesday while addressing House correspondents at the presidential villa in Abuja. The discount and free rail services will come into effect on Thursday and continue till Jan. 4.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali and Bayo Onanuga, the special advisor to the president on information and strategy, were also present.

"From tomorrow, Nigerians wishing to embark on inter-state travel to any part of the country from Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto and other major inter-state transportation hubs will be able to do so at half the cost," Alake said, The Guardian reported. "The Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu is working very hard to make sure Nigerians have a memorable and happy holiday season."

The minister said the police, department of state services, the military and other security agencies have been asked to collaborate during the festive season to ensure that everyone in Nigeria is safe and there is no security breach in any part of the country.

"While we wish all Nigerians a great holiday season, we implore everyone to be law-abiding, be security conscious, be our brother's keepers, extend every goodwill to our families, friends and neighbors. We should continue to work within our sphere of influence to make our country the very best we all desire her to be," he said. "While we celebrate and enjoy all the social activities that come with the season, let us also remember to celebrate in moderation."

The announcement came after Tinubu assured earlier this week that the federal government has granted waivers to operators in the air, road and rail transportation systems to counter high transportation costs faced by travelers during the festive season.