ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Facts have emerged on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 50% slash on price of interstate transport fare for Nigerians.
Reports had emerged on Wednesday afternoon that Nigerians who will be traveling during the yuletide will now pay 50% of the price for their transportation to and from their destinations.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made the announcement to State House correspondents on Wednesday afternoon.
Apart from the 50% slash on road transport, the President also reportedly approved free rides for commuters on all train services within the period.
Voiceofnaija.ng has now gathered that the President made this decision as part of a special presidential intervention to ease the burden on Nigerians at this time.
“It is in this wise that the President is announcing through us that beginning from tomorrow, December 21, Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via mini buses, luxury buses at 50 per cent discount of current cost and all our train services on the route the trains currently serve at zero cost on their travels this holiday season.
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“This special presidential intervention will commence tomorrow, Thursday, December 21 and it will end on January 4, 2024.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will be working with transporters, road transport unions, the Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly deliver on this special presidential initiative,” Alake said.
“I can tell you that all the relevant stakeholders in that industry have been discussed with or been engaged and all the parameters laid out and the Minister of Transportation has the full details and it’s on top of the game.
“In fact, the Presidents of the various transport unions have been met…and everything is in top shape in terms of execution,” he added.