The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed its concerns over the recent decision by the Federal Government to slash transport fares, stating that the corporation is still grappling with the aftermath of previous fare waivers.
The Federal Government, in a bid to alleviate the financial burden on citizens during the festive season, announced a 50% waiver on road transport and free train rides. This move is part of broader efforts by the administration, led by President Tinubu, to address the high cost of living in the country.
While acknowledging the positive impact of the development, Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the NRC, raised apprehensions about the financial implications of the intervention scheme. Okhiria emphasized that the corporation is yet to recover from similar initiatives undertaken two years ago.
“This is not the first time. We did this two years ago. It was effective. I say we’ve yet to recover from that,” Okhiria told Channels TV. Despite expressing willingness to provide the free service, he stressed the importance of the government defraying the associated costs.
Okhiria highlighted the necessity for the government to support the NRC financially during this period. He pointed out that while providing free train rides, the agency still incurs expenses such as purchasing diesel to power the trains and covering other operational costs.
“We are hoping this time they are going to give us fuel, and those 15 days we are going to provide the free service. They are also willing to provide at least the money we pay to the cleaners and the security,” Okhiria added.
As the festive season unfolds, the NRC’s plea sheds light on the delicate balance between providing relief to citizens and ensuring the sustainability of essential services. The government’s commitment to supporting the NRC financially will play a crucial role in determining the success and continuity of such relief measures.