The Nigerian government has announced a generous Christmas package, including free rail rides and a 50% nationwide public bus fee reduction throughout the festive season, in an effort to lessen the financial burden associated with holiday travel.
The move aims to enable domestic travelers to visit their loved ones and hometowns “without stress and the extra burden imposed by the high cost of transport around this period,” stated Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and head of the inter-ministerial committee on presidential intervention.
The discount on inter-state bus fares and complimentary train rides will be effective from Thursday to January 4, providing considerable relief to holidaymakers.
President Bola Tinubu has already given his approval for the initiative, which was coordinated in collaboration with luxury bus companies operating across 22 routes nationwide.
The arrangement excludes air transportation, emphasizing a focus on the masses, according to Mr. Alake. Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali highlighted that the substantial reduction in bus fares and the provision of free train rides aim to ensure “every Nigerian can partake in the joy of the season without the burden of exorbitant transportation costs.”
Segun Falade, spokesperson for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, confirmed that bus operators would commence the fare subsidy as agreed upon. December typically marks the busiest month for travel in Nigeria, witnessing a surge in air, road transport, and railway passengers.
Meanwhile, in Ghana, where operational trains are limited, road networks face challenges, and heavy traffic is anticipated due to an influx of people heading to the capital, Accra, for the festive season (known as Detty December), the prices of transport fares, essential commodities, and recreational facilities are expected to rise, reflecting the challenges posed by overpopulation and increased demand.