December 24, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has expressed excitement over the patronage by millions of Nigerians of the Presidential intervention mitigating the high cost of transport this festive season.
Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman of the Yuletide Transport subsidy- Inter-ministerial committee and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said on Saturday that initial check shows that millions of Nigerians embraced cross-country travelling to see loved ones at the end of the year irrespective of religious inclinations.
“Therefore, the far-reaching effect of discounted inter-state bus fares and free train rides on the citizenry, cannot be overemphasised.”
In announcing the Federal Government’s gesture last Wednesday, the chairman of the Yuletide transport subsidy inter-ministerial committee and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake had revealed that from 21st December 2023 to 4th January, 2024, Nigerians will enjoy a 50% discount on inter-state bus transport along 22 major routes, while the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) will be offering free train rides within the same period, in what is now widely acclaimed as a novel, pro-masses initiative by any Federal Government in Nigeria’s history.
Tomori said the programme targets lifting 5 million commuters this season as the initial partnering major transport companies like Good is Good (GIG) motors, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata and Area Motor have since been scaled up from 22 to 28 while citizens travelling from Lagos – Nigeria’s commercial hub, to other states like Akure and Ilorin via mini buses from the Oshodi bus interchange, are also beneficiaries.
He said, “It will be recalled that the attendant effect of fuel subsidy removal has led to skyrocketing transport fares which has necessitated palliatives from government to cushion its effect. Feedback from citizens across the country have indicated that this transport subsidy has the most significant impact, thus far.”
He said impact stories also abound from train commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna routes
“In just 48 hours since the commencement of the subsidised transport scheme, the implementation has been impressive across the country, it will only get better as the days progress. It should also be noted that after the holidays, Nigerians can take advantage of the discounted rates to return to their respective bases, on or before 4th January, 2024.
“With this palliative that is touching lives, down to the grassroots, it is apparent that President Tinubu is deeply committed to the welfare of the people and working round the clock for their shared prosperity. An apt message can be deduced from this intervention – enjoy your holidays!”
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