Tinubu’s 50% Transport Fare Slash Set to Begin December 24
The Federal Government’s initiative to reduce interstate transport fares by 50% is now expected to commence on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, instead of the initially planned December 20. The delay arose due to documentation and funding challenges.
Yuletide Transport Relief
The scheme aims to alleviate high travel costs during the festive season, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Transportation. In addition to the ongoing free rail transportation, the government partnered with key road transport stakeholders to implement the subsidy. These stakeholders include the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria. Speaking on the scheme, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, noted that it is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader efforts to provide transportation palliatives for Nigerians celebrating Christmas and New Year.
Funding Delays and Stakeholder Agreements
Though the initiative was planned to begin last week, a senior official in the transport ministry disclosed that funding issues caused the postponement. “The minister has been engaging the finance ministry to secure funds, but the process has been slow,” the source revealed. Enahoro Ekhae, CEO of God is Good Motors, confirmed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government but highlighted that implementation is pending. “We are ready to begin as soon as the funds are disbursed,” he stated. The programme will cover interstate routes from Abuja and Lagos (Oshodi) to various state capitals. Passengers will pay only half the fare, with the Federal Government covering the remaining 50% as part of its agreement with transport unions.
Hope for a Swift Resolution
While the rail component of the initiative has continued without interruptions, the road transport subsidy faces hurdles due to the lack of government-owned buses. The Federal Government has instead relied on private transport unions, who await payment before mobilizing. Once funds are released, we will ensure accurate records through monitoring instruments,” a finance ministry source explained. The Federal Government aims to disburse funds promptly to ensure a smooth rollout by Tuesday.
We were supposed to commence on December 20, but due to some imperfections, it was delayed. By God’s grace, the initiative should begin on Tuesday,” — Senior Official, Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The proposed transport fare slash represents a significant effort to ease the financial burden on Nigerians during the holiday season. With final arrangements nearing completion, the Federal Government and transport stakeholders remain optimistic that the scheme will bring relief to travelers in time for the Yuletide celebrations.
