Infostride News has learned that President Tinubu has authorized a significant 50% discount on road transport travel throughout Nigeria, effective from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. This noteworthy announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, during a press briefing at the statehouse. Alake, who also serves as the chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Presidential Intervention, provided comprehensive details about the initiative, emphasizing its role in enhancing the lives of Nigerians, especially during the festive season.
The committee, comprising Alhaji Mohammed Idris (Minister of Information and National Orientation), Saidu Alkali (Minister of Transportation), and Bayo Onanuga (Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy), collaboratively shed light on the specifics of the President’s initiative. The primary focus of this unprecedented move is to alleviate the financial burden on the masses planning to travel and reunite with their families during the holiday season. The approved discount is applicable to road transport and will be in effect from Thursday, December 21, to January 4, 2024.
Minister Dele Alake, in his statement, shared President Tinubu’s sentiments of compassion towards the Nigerian populace during the Christmas season. He conveyed the President’s belief that the federal government should intervene to reduce the costs of public transportation, facilitating the travel of individuals wishing to visit their loved ones.
“In the spirit of Christmas and demonstration of his love for Nigerians as proof, he feels the federal government should intervene to bring down the costs of public transportation to allow persons who want to travel to visit their loved ones,” said Alake.
To implement this initiative, the Federal Government is introducing a special discounted holiday season fare on road transport and zero-fare by rail across the nation. The practical implication of this decision is that, starting from the announced date, Nigerians intending to travel can avail themselves of minibuses and luxury buses at a 50% discount on the current costs. Additionally, all train services operating on their designated routes will be offered at zero cost for the entire duration of their travels during this holiday season.
“This special presidential intervention will commence tomorrow, Thursday, December 21. It will end on January 4, 2024. The Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation will be working with transporters, road transport unions, and Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly deliver on this special presidential initiative. 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,” explained Minister Dele Alake.
This unprecedented move not only reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people but also underscores the government’s proactive approach in addressing the financial challenges faced by citizens, particularly during festive seasons. The collaboration with various stakeholders, including transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure the seamless implementation of this special presidential initiative.
As the discount covers a wide array of travel options, including minibuses, luxury buses, and rail services, it is expected to have a substantial impact on travel patterns across major inter-state routes. The specified travel hubs such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Ibadan, Akure, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and others are set to experience a surge in travel activities as individuals take advantage of the reduced costs during this holiday period.
The announcement of this discount comes at a time when many Nigerians are preparing to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones. The gesture by President Tinubu is likely to be warmly received, as it not only promotes social cohesion by facilitating family reunions but also provides economic relief to citizens who may have been deterred by high transportation costs.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s approval of a 50% discount on road transport travel is a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of Nigerians during the holiday season. The initiative reflects a commitment to addressing the financial challenges faced by citizens and fostering social connectivity by making travel more accessible. As Nigerians look forward to celebrating the festive season, this presidential intervention is poised to have a positive impact on the lives of many, contributing to a more joyous and economically inclusive holiday period. Infostride News will continue to provide updates on this initiative and its implications for the Nigerian populace.
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