FG Halves Interstate Transport Fares for Yuletide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Federal Government has commenced its Yuletide transport palliative, halving interstate travel fares for Nigerians. Starting today, December 24, 2024, this initiative will benefit travelers from major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.
Scheme Details
The scheme, which runs from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025, is being implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON). According to a Memorandum of Understanding, the Federal Government will pay 50% of travel fares for Nigerians using participating transport companies. The initiative also includes free rail transportation, which commenced on December 20, 2024.
Participating Routes and Companies
The transport palliative covers 144 routes nationwide, with Lagos and Abuja serving as key departure points. Notable operators and their assigned routes include:
God is Good Motors (GIGM): 4 routes
Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON): 32 routes
NURTW: 22 routes
RTEAN: 12 routes
Buses will depart daily from designated terminals: Eagle Square in Abuja and Oshodi Terminals 2 and 3 in Lagos. Departure times are set for 6:00 a.m., with luxury buses operating until 7:00 p.m. for some routes.
Logistics and Take-off
Olujimi Oyeyemi, Head of Press at the Ministry of Transport, confirmed that the buses will begin operations today. He noted that the delay in launching the scheme was due to logistics challenges, which have now been resolved. Minister of Transport Said Alkali added, “Passengers seeking to benefit from this scheme must arrive at the designated terminals early, as buses will depart promptly. Travelers can book tickets through participating companies’ apps, such as GIGM, which confirmed readiness for the operation.
Passengers seeking to benefit from this scheme must arrive at the designated terminals early, as buses will depart promptly. – Alkali, Minister of Transport .
How to Access the Scheme
Passengers are required to pay only 50% of the usual fare at the designated terminals. For Lagos departures, those traveling to northern destinations will use Oshodi Terminal 3, while southern-bound passengers will depart from Oshodi Terminal 2.
This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians traveling during the festive period. With 708 vehicles deployed nationwide, the Federal Government’s transport palliative provides much-needed relief for citizens. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of this offer to enjoy reduced fares and safe travel during the holiday season.
