As Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, the Federal Government has stepped in to reduce the cost of travel for Nigerians across the country.
In a landmark move, the government has announced a 50 percent discount on road fares during the 2024 festive season.
This announcement comes after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the government and key transport unions in the country.
The Minister of Transportation, Sa’id Alkali, was behind the historic decision, which aims to ease the burden on Nigerians travelling to their homes for the holidays.
Representing the Minister, Permanent Secretary Adeleye Adeoye, signed the MoU with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Also part of the agreement were the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) and popular travel agency, God is Good Motors (GIGM).
This new initiative will cover major routes between Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Lagos, with buses heading to other parts of Nigeria.
Under the agreement, passengers will pay only half of the usual road fares, making travel more affordable during the busy holiday season.
Permanent Secretary Adeoye highlighted the government’s aim of offering affordable transportation for citizens heading home to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
“This initiative will ensure that Nigerians can travel with ease and enjoy the holidays without worrying about high transport costs,” Adeoye said during the signing ceremony.
The 50 percent discount is part of the federal government’s wider efforts to provide relief during the yuletide period.
Just recently, the government also introduced free train services for passengers travelling during the festive season.
The initiative, which will run from December 2024 through to January 2025, is expected to provide a much-needed relief to many Nigerians who depend on road transport for their holiday travel.
The decision to offer discounted fares aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives to make transportation more accessible to citizens.
“The directive from Mr President is in line with our efforts to ease the financial burden on Nigerians as they travel during the festive period,” Adeoye remarked.
For many Nigerians, the festive season often means long hours spent on the road, with transport fares increasing significantly due to high demand.
However, this new initiative ensures that the cost of travel is kept at an affordable level, making it easier for people to reach their destinations.
The government’s move comes after criticism of high transportation costs, which have become a regular concern for Nigerian travellers, especially during the busy festive periods.
By slashing fares by 50 percent, the government is taking steps to ensure that Nigerians can travel to be with their families without the added stress of expensive transport options.
This is not the first time that the government has stepped in to assist with transportation during the holidays.
In previous years, similar initiatives, such as discounted bus services and free train rides, have been introduced to support travellers.
The latest announcement has already been met with positive reactions from the public, with many praising the government for considering the financial struggles of Nigerians.
“This is a welcome development,” said a passenger, Joy Okwara, who was heading home to Enugu for Christmas. “The cost of transport was always too high, but this discount will make it much easier for me to travel.”
Other passengers expressed similar sentiments, with many acknowledging the importance of such initiatives during the busy holiday period.
“This is a good gesture, especially with how expensive things have been lately,” remarked Tunde Adebayo, a commuter in Lagos. “I am happy that the government is looking out for us.”
Transport unions and bus companies involved in the agreement have also welcomed the move, acknowledging that it would ease the pressure on both operators and passengers.
“For us, it is important to support the government’s efforts in ensuring that people can travel home to be with their families during this important season,” said Abdulkareem Adebayo, a representative of NURTW.
As Nigerians prepare for the celebrations, this discount on road fares will undoubtedly offer some relief to many who face the challenge of rising travel costs.
With this move, the Federal Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to addressing the transportation needs of Nigerians during critical times.
By providing affordable travel options, the government hopes to ensure that more citizens can celebrate the holidays in peace and comfort.
The reduction in fares will also be a boost for the country’s transportation sector, ensuring that operators can continue their services while still providing value to passengers.
As we approach Christmas and the New Year, Nigerians can now look forward to spending time with loved ones without the added worry of high transport costs.
