KEY POINTS
- Tinubu has declared free nationwide train rides for the Yuletide season.
- The program strives to protect the blow that high transportation costs can have on Christmas.
- The Federal Government had earlier given free ride on train during Sallah and Yuletide in 2023.
Nigerians travelling across the country this Yuletide season can enjoy free train rides courtesy President Bola Tinubu.
This followed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which held in Abuja, Presidential Villa, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the announcement.
‘The removal of the subsidy left a large percentage of Nigerians significantly affected with the backlash of transportation costs, hence the move is to cushion the effect of that,’ Idris said. They introduced the same measure last year during the Yuletide and Sallah holidays.
The minister also stated that “the President approved the measure to cushion the effect of the high cost of transportation during the Christmas season.”
Free train rides on which travellers across Nigeria looking to cross the country for holidays will be riding, will be delivering the financial relief expected.
The measure is a reflection of the Tinubu Administration’s resolve to shore up the rising cost of living as Christmas approaches and support our people during the festive season.
Relief nationwide for holiday travelers
Typically, the yuletide season records a surge in travel and Nigerians travel to meet up with family and loved ones. But after the removal of the fuel subsidy, transportation has risen significantly, leading to the Federal Government’s decision to provide free train rides as a welcome intervention.
All those travelling on the national railway network will be able to travel on the train rides, a cost free alternative to road travel which has become more expensive.
This comes as part of similar relief measures unveiled during festive periods like Christmas and Sallah when citizens train tickets are offered free of charge to reduce the costs incurred by the citizens in travel.
This is a part of the wider federal government strategy of easing the economic brunt on people, but encouraging public transportation use. This also fits in with what President Tinubu is trying to do to combat inflation and ease the lives of Nigerians.
The free train ride program will ease pressure on road transportation and lower travel costs, all in a bid to ensure that movement of people during the busy holiday period will be smooth.
