Nigerian government slashes cost of inter-state transportation by 50%
The Nigerian government has announced a 50 per cent reduction in the fares charged by commercial buses on inter-state routes during the Yuletide.
Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, noted that all train routes are free beginning from Thursday, December 21st 2023 to 4th January 2024.
The minister said the intervention was in the spirit of Christmas and the end-of-year festivities.
Alake said, “President Bola Tinubu, in another demonstration of his love for Nigerians, has approved that the Federal Government should intervene to bring down the cost of public transportation to allow our compatriots who want to travel to visit their loved ones and hometowns to do so without stress and the extra burden imposed by the high cost of transport around this period.
“The President is well aware of the recent increase in cost of inter-state transportation and even for air travel. Traditionally, our people love to travel during Christmas and end of year to be with families and friends and this has been the practice for ages.
“We also know that globally, intra-country travels and movement of people, goods and services always peak around Christmas and end of the year because of socio-gravitational pull of the period which transporters always cash on to increase fares astronomically.”
Alake added that President Tinubu has directed the police, Department of State Services (DSS), the military and other security agencies to work hand-in-hand to ensure the holiday period is safe without any security challenge across the country.
“While we wish all Nigerians a great holiday season, we implore everyone to be law-abiding, be security conscious, be our brother’s keepers, and extend every goodwill to our families, friends and neighbours.
