Victor EzejaAs the Christmas season approaches, the Nigerian government has approved free train services nationwide for 15 days.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced this while briefing State House correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by the President on Monday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIdris said the free train services will commence on 20 December 2024 and end on 5 January 2025.
“There will be free train services to all Nigerians from the 20th up until the 5th of January,” the minister said.
He explained that the initiative aims to cushion the impact of transportation costs, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.
Prime Business Africa recalls that Bola Tinubu’s government created a similar scheme last year during the yuletide season. The government also offered a 50% discount on road transportation from 21 December 2023, to 4 January 2024, which was later extended.
Commenting on the free transport service, one of Tinubu’s spokespersons, Daniel Bwala, said the initiative is designed to help Nigerians save on transportation costs during the festive season.
The information minister also disclosed that this FEC meeting will be the last for the year, adding that cabinet members will embark on recess from 18th December and resume on 6 January 2025.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
