The Minister of Transportation, Sa’id Alkali, has formalised an agreement to reduce road transport fares by 50 per cent during the 2024 festive season in Nigeria.
The initiative is part of efforts to ease the financial burden on Nigerians travelling for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Nigerian Government and key transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Other participants in the agreement were the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) and God is Good Motors (GIGM).
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Permanent Secretary Adeleye Adeoye emphasised the importance of the agreement in making transportation more affordable for Nigerians during the yuletide period.
Adeoye explained that the directive to reduce transport fares came from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader measures to provide relief for citizens.
The discounted fares will apply to journeys from key locations such as Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Lagos (Oshodi) to other parts of the country.
This follows previous government efforts to support transportation during festive periods, including free train services provided during past celebrations.
The agreement is expected to ease the cost of travel for many Nigerians, ensuring that more people can celebrate with their families and loved ones without financial strain.
