The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a 50% reduction in transportation costs along 22 interstate routes during the Yuletide season.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Presidential Intervention, revealed this during a briefing in Abuja.
Alake explained that the 50% reduction in fares was reached in collaboration with companies operating luxury buses.
Additionally, President Bola Tinubu directed that commuters on all train services would have free rides from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) confirmed that the fare subsidy would be implemented starting Thursday.
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However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) criticized the initiative, describing the government as confused.
The NURTW spokesperson, Segun Falade, mentioned that the union had resolved to implement the fare subsidy as directed by the Presidency.
Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC expressed disappointment, calling the government’s actions confusing and suggesting that reducing the pump price of petrol would be more effective in addressing the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Various transport unions in states such as Katsina, Gombe, Plateau, Delta, Sokoto, and others claimed ignorance of the subsidy, stating that they had not been briefed on the initiative.
The Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) emphasized that the government could not compel its members to slash transport fares without considering operational costs.
While passengers welcomed the directive, some expressed concerns about its practicability and suggested the need for a monitoring team to ensure compliance.
It’s worth noting that the initiative is aimed at providing relief to Nigerians during the festive season, with reduced transportation costs for those traveling across the country.
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