Thousands of passengers across Nigeria have thronged designated motor parks in Abuja, Lagos, and other states to benefit from the Federal Government’s 50% transport fare reduction. This initiative, which aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens during the festive season, is part of a broader transportation palliative introduced by the Ministry of Transportation.
Government’s Plan to Ease Travel Costs
Last Thursday, the Ministry of Transportation announced its collaboration with stakeholders in the road transport sector to provide relief for Nigerians traveling during the Yuletide. This includes a 50% subsidy on road travel fares and free rail transportation, which commenced on December 20, 2024.
Despite initial funding challenges from the Ministry of Finance, the scheme officially took off with the involvement of key transport stakeholders such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria. The initiative, governed by a Memorandum of Understanding, spans 144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to state capitals, excluding Anambra, which uses Onitsha as its hub. A total of 708 vehicles have been deployed for this effort, running from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Passenger Reactions at Bus Terminals
At Lagos’s Oshodi bus terminal, the impact of the initiative was evident. Passengers expressed joy and gratitude for the relief during a typically expensive travel season.
Mrs. Ejiofor Deborah, one of the beneficiaries, shared her excitement, saying, “I never knew such a benefit was on until I got to the terminal this morning. Honestly, I am very happy, and God will bless our President and help him to achieve his goals.”
Similarly, Mrs. Ojediran appreciated the Federal Government for its effort, highlighting the scheme’s role in enabling families to reunite. “This is a major relief for me during this difficult time. Transport fares can make one depressed. When I learned there would be a reduction, I thought it was a lie. But I must confess, I am happy. I got here around 7:20 am and am already on a bus,” she remarked.
Scale and Monitoring of the Scheme
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, outlined the programme’s scope during a press briefing. He revealed that the road travel subsidy targets 17,588 passengers daily, amounting to 288,644 travelers over the 13-day period. Meanwhile, the free rail transportation service aims to accommodate 320,000 passengers over 17 days.
Alkali explained the meticulous planning behind the fare reductions: “We invited the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, God is Good Motors, NURTW, RTEAN, and Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners. They provided their pricing structures, which we verified through market surveys. The discounted rate is 50% of the regular fare.”
To ensure the scheme’s efficiency, the ministry established a situation room and communication channels, including WhatsApp and SMS numbers, for real-time reporting and feedback. Staff have been deployed across all 36 states to monitor implementation and address any challenges promptly.
Stakeholder and Public Support
Yusuf Ibrahim, General Secretary of the RTEAN, highlighted the initiative’s success in mobilizing passengers. “The government announced the scheme, and we disseminated information through jingles encouraging people to travel. A lot of people have turned up, and the scheme will run until January 5, 2025,” he stated.
He emphasized the extensive deployment of buses to meet demand, adding, “Depending on the vibrancy of the state, some areas see up to nine or more vehicles per day.”
Ibrahim also praised the initiative as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during challenging times.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s 50% transport fare reduction and free rail transportation have provided significant relief to Nigerians, enabling many to travel and celebrate the festive season with loved ones. Through strategic partnerships, detailed planning, and effective monitoring, the initiative has been well-received and underscores the government’s dedication to its citizens’ welfare. As the scheme progresses, it is expected to further enhance connectivity and bring much-needed respite to road and rail travelers nationwide.
