In a gesture aimed at further alleviating the transportation burden on Nigerians during the festive season, President Bola Tinubu has extended the free train service until Sunday, January 7. The initial directive, which granted a 100 percent discount on train trips, was part of the president’s effort to facilitate seamless travel for citizens celebrating Christmas and New Year with their families.
President Tinubu had earlier approved a 50 percent discount for inter-state road travels and a full 100 percent discount for train journeys, providing substantial relief to Nigerians traversing the country during the yuletide season. The discount was initially slated to run from December 21 to January 4, 2024.
The free train service, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, covered three major routes: Lagos to Ibadan, Warri to Itakpe, and Abuja to Kaduna.
The decision to extend the initiative, as communicated by the Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, is expected to allow more Nigerians to benefit from the complimentary train rides.
The statement reads, “While over 163,000 Nigerians benefited from successful first leg of the yuletide initiative, President Tinubu, in further demonstration of his care for the welfare of Nigerians, directed that the free train service should be made available for extra 3 days to allow more Nigerians to take the advantage.
“The public is advised to note that this extension applies to all three routes currently being serviced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as follows: Lagos – Ibadan, Warri -Itakpe and Abuja – Kaduna.
“It is hoped that Nigerians who are interested in travelling by rail will take full advantage of this unique opportunity aimed at enhancing people’s welfare.”
