Christmas: Thousands Flock to Abuja, Lagos Parks for Tinubu’s 50% Fare Reduction

• Thousands flocked to parks in Abuja and Lagos for Tinubu’s 50% fare reduction.
• The initiative runs from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
• The program is supported by key transport unions.

Thousands of passengers flocked to motor parks in Abuja, Lagos, and other states to take advantage of the Federal Government’s 50% reduction in transport fares.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Ministry of Transportation announced last Thursday that it had partnered with road transport stakeholders to assist Nigerians traveling during the Yuletide. The government pledged to cover half of road travelers’ fares and launched free rail transportation on December 20, 2024.

However, the commencement of the rail transport scheme was delayed due to funding challenges from the Ministry of Finance.

This initiative, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding, involves key transport groups such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria.

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The plan includes 144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to various state capitals, excluding Anambra, with Onitsha served by 708 vehicles. The road fare reduction will run from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

At the Oshodi bus terminal in Lagos, many passengers were seen boarding buses under the palliative scheme. Some passengers expressed their excitement, with Mrs. Ejiofor Deborah praising the program, saying she was unaware of the benefit until she arrived at the terminal. Mrs. Ojediran also appreciated the relief the scheme provided, especially during tough economic times.

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The government has deployed staff and a monitoring system across all 36 states to ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme. The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, revealed that daily projections for road travel are set at 17,588 passengers, totaling 288,644 for the 13-day period. Rail transport is expected to serve 320,000 passengers over 17 days.

The minister emphasised that the scheme’s progress is closely monitored, with various communication channels for public feedback.

Yusuf Ibrahim, General Secretary of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the event would continue until January 5, 2025, and highlighted the large number of buses deployed to meet demand.

Here is the video of the week