The Federal Government of Nigeria has slashed the cost of transport by 50 per cent for citizens across the country.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, on Wednesday during a press conference on the presidency’s intervention in public transportation in respect of the Yuletide celebration in Nigeria’s capital Abuja.
According to the minister, the transport fare will commence on Thursday, December 21 and end on January 4, 2024.
“It is in this wise that the Federal Government is announcing, beginning from tomorrow (Thursday), a special discounted holiday season fare on road transport and zero-fare by rail across Nigeria.
“What this means is that from tomorrow (Thursday), Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via minibuses, luxury buses at a 50% discount of current cost and all our train services on the routes the trains currently serve at zero cost to and fro on their travels this holiday season.” the minister said.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu approved of the gesture as a sign of his love for Nigerians.
He also added that the slashing of transport fares relieves the extra burden that high-cost places on Nigerians who wish to visit their hometowns and loved ones around this time of year.
According to Alake, President Tinubu has ordered the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military, and other security agencies to cooperate to guarantee that there are no security lapses throughout the Christmas season anywhere in the nation.
“While we wish all Nigerians a great holiday season, we implore everyone to be law-abiding, be security conscious, be our brother’s keepers, and extend every goodwill to our families, friends and neighbours.
“While we celebrate and enjoy all the social activities that come with the season, let us also remember to celebrate in moderation,” he stated.
