Mohamed Garba
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it will provide free train services across the country from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, as part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. This initiative aims to ease transportation challenges for Nigerians during the festive season.
According to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, the free train services will remain operational throughout the festive period, ensuring that Nigerians can travel conveniently ahead of the holidays and return after the festivities. The minister also noted that the program has transported 288,644 passengers within four days through the rail transportation system.
His words: “This initiative ensures that Nigerians can travel conveniently before the holidays and return after the festivities,” Senator Alkali noted, adding that the free rail services will remain operational throughout the festive period. Through extensive consultations with stakeholders, we’ve ensured transparency and effectiveness in implementing these discounted fares,” he added.
In addition to the free train services, the government is also offering a 50% discount on road transportation, which commenced across the country on Tuesday. The road transportation program is expected to benefit over 17,000 passengers daily.
The palliative measures aim to serve hundreds of thousands of passengers, with rail services projected to transport over 320,000 passengers by January 5, while road transport services target 288,644 passengers within 13 days.
President Bola Tinubu introduced the scheme to mitigate the sufferings of Nigerians and enable them to enjoy the dividends of democracy, despite the harsh economic situation in the country. The government’s efforts reflect its commitment to easing transportation challenges during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
