Tinubu Shakes Up Transport – 50% Road Discount, Free Trains till Jan 4

In an unprecedented move, President Tinubu has set the stage for a transformative holiday season in Nigeria with a significant announcement that is set to revolutionize the transport sector. Starting from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, a sweeping 50% discount on road transport and complimentary train rides will be available to all Nigerians. 

This groundbreaking initiative, part of Tinubu’s transport-centric policies, aims to ease the financial burden on citizens during the festive period. The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, at the state house. As the chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Presidential Intervention, Alake, alongside key committee members, detailed this strategic move as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to making transport more accessible and affordable for the masses.

The committee’s vision for transport

The Inter-ministerial Committee, featuring prominent figures such as Alhaji Mohammed Idris (Minister of Information and National Orientation), Saidu Alkali (Minister of Transportation), and Bayo Onanuga (Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy), has been instrumental in shaping this initiative. Their collective vision reflects a deep understanding of the transport challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, especially during the end-of-year rush.

Alake speaks on easing lives during the festive season

Alake emphasized that this move is not just a policy but a demonstration of President Tinubu’s empathy towards Nigerians. “In the spirit of Christmas and as proof of his love for Nigerians, President Tinubu feels that the federal government should intervene to reduce public transportation costs,” Alake stated. This gesture enables more citizens to travel and reunite with their families without financial strain.

The initiative offers a 50% discount on minibuses and luxury buses, and free train rides across Nigeria’s major routes. This means citizens traveling from hubs like Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, and others can now do so at a fraction of the cost. The collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation ensures the smooth implementation of this presidential intervention.

While some may view this as a controversial move, questioning the sustainability and impact on the transport sector’s revenue, it’s undeniable that Tinubu’s transport strategy is a bold step towards addressing the immediate needs of the people. It’s a move that prioritizes the welfare of the masses over economic concerns, a rare stance in today’s political climate.

President Tinubu’s decision to offer substantial discounts on road travel and free train services is more than just a policy, it’s a beacon of hope and relief for millions. As families across Nigeria prepare to celebrate the festive season, this initiative ensures that the joy of togetherness is not marred by the burden of transport costs. Tinubu’s transport vision might just be the gift that keeps on giving, long after the holiday lights have dimmed.