President Bola Tinubu has made a significant announcement, revealing a 50% reduction in fares for commercial buses operating on inter-state routes during the upcoming Yuletide season.
This uplifting news was communicated by Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, on Wednesday.
In a noteworthy move, President Tinubu has also declared that all train routes will be free of charge from Thursday, December 21st, 2023, to January 4th, 2024.
However, Alake clarified that air transportation, often catering to privileged individuals, would not be affected. He underscored that this initiative is a direct presidential intervention, specifically targeting the masses and their transportation needs.
The Minister expressed that this generous gesture aligns with the spirit of Christmas and the festivities marking the end of the year. Alake conveyed President Tinubu’s awareness of the recent spike in the cost of inter-state transportation and air travel.
He emphasized the President’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden on Nigerians, especially during the period when people traditionally travel to be with their families and friends.
Acknowledging the global trend of increased travel during Christmas and the end of the year, Alake stressed that the intervention aims to provide relief from the usual astronomical rise in transportation fares, making it easier for individuals to travel without undue financial strain