The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a significant and timely 50% reduction in interstate transport fares for Nigerians traveling during the Yuletide season, a move that aims to alleviate the financial burden of holiday travel for many citizens.
The initiative, which was unveiled on Thursday, is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to make travel more affordable for Nigerians heading to various destinations across the country to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Transportation, Olujimi Oyetomi, the Federal Government confirmed that, starting with the 2024 festive period, passengers will pay only 50% of the usual fares for interstate travel. This decision was made in line with the directive given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the goal of easing the financial pressure associated with travel during this busy season.
According to the statement, "To kick off the 2024 Yuletide road transportation, passengers will only pay 50% of the usual fares to their destinations, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu." The reduction in fares applies to both short- and long-distance journeys, benefitting many Nigerians as they make their way across the country during the festive season.
This fare reduction is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Government to provide transportation palliatives during the Yuletide season. The initiative is designed to support Nigerians who may otherwise face increased transportation costs during the holiday rush, ensuring that more people can afford to travel to their destinations without added financial stress.
The announcement of the fare reduction was made during a formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government and key stakeholders in the transportation sector. The ceremony was led by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye. The MOU outlines the collaboration between the Federal Government and major transport groups such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, and God is Good Motors, to implement the fare reduction across the country.
As part of the arrangement, passengers traveling from major transport hubs such as Abuja and Lagos (Oshodi) to various destinations across the nation will benefit from the 50% discount on transport fares. This fare reduction is expected to make traveling more affordable for thousands of Nigerians during the festive season, providing them with the opportunity to spend time with their families and loved ones without worrying about exorbitant travel expenses.
