President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved a 50 percent reduction in interstate fares for Nigerians traveling during the Christmas period from Thursday, December 21, 2023 to January 4, 2024.

Free rides on train services.

jerrymusa.com reports that The President also authorized free rides for commuters on all train services within this period.

Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake disclosed this to House of Representatives correspondents at Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday.

Alake said: “The President therefore announces through us that from tomorrow, December 21st, Nigerians willing to travel will be able to board public transport in minibuses, luxury buses with 50% discount on the fare and all our rail services route. Which trains are currently running are free during the Christmas holidays.

“This special presidential intervention begins tomorrow, Thursday, December 21, and ends on 4th January 2024.”

“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transport, will work with transport operators, road transport unions and the Corporation of Nigerian Railways to ensure the successful implementation of this special initiative of the President.” »

Alake added: “I can say that all relevant stakeholders in this sector have been discussed or involved and all parameters have been set and the Transport Minister has all the details and everything is at the highest level.”

“In fact, the presidents of the various transport associations have been met… and as far as workmanship is concerned, everything is in excellent condition.”

Alake, however, said Air iravel was excluded from the initiative because it was aimed at the masses.

“The initiative is for the masses. Air is a luxury. The masses do not use air transport. So they are the focus of our interest,” he explained.