- Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) implements free train rides on all passenger routes from Dec 21 to Jan 4, following President Tinubu’s directive
- President Tinubu approves a 50% reduction in interstate bus fares for Christmas and New Year holidays to ease travel expenses
In response to the directive from President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has initiated a complimentary train ride starting Thursday on all its passenger services. President Tinubu also approved a 50% reduction in interstate bus fares, facilitating affordable travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The NRC, in an official statement, announced the commencement of free train services on all passenger routes from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, inclusive.
Passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets exclusively through online e-ticketing platforms, with no tickets issued at the corporation’s train stations. It is emphasized that boarding the train without a ticket will not be allowed.
In the statement, commuters are urged to follow orderliness, adhere to the instructions of security personnel, and comply with the boarding guidelines of the NRC and its officials at stations and during the journey. The NRC extends wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance to all esteemed customers.
President Tinubu’s approval of the Federal Government’s intervention to reduce transportation costs during the festive season involves a 50% reduction on all inter-state routes. The Ministry of Solid Minerals, represented by Mr. Dele Alake, confirmed the completion of logistics for the government-subsidized transport fare.
Alake stated, “In the spirit of Christmas and the end of year festivities, President Bola Tinubu, in another demonstration of his love for Nigerians, has approved that the Federal Government should intervene to bring down the cost of public transportation.”
To ease the financial burden on Nigerians traveling during the holidays, the Federal Government will collaborate with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, ensuring the successful implementation of the special presidential initiative.
Beginning Thursday, a special discounted holiday season fare will be in effect for road transport, offering a 50% discount on minibuses and luxury buses. Additionally, all train services on their current routes will be zero-fare during the holiday season.
This reduction applies to major routes, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and other significant inter-state transportation hubs.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that President Tinubu’s intervention is not a one-off measure but part of ongoing efforts. Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Saidu Alkali, assured that the ministry would maintain all train routes to ensure Nigerians enjoy the maximum benefits of these special presidential interventions.
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