President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to a substantial 50% reduction in inter-state transport fares, coupled with the provision of free train rides for Nigerians.
This initiative, effective from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on citizens during the festive season.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday. Alake announced that Nigerians intending to travel can take advantage of this cost-cutting measure by boarding public transport, including mini buses and luxury buses, at half the current fare.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, further disclosed the key players in this significant transportation initiative.
In a post on Thursday, Onanuga named five participating transport companies: GIG (God is Good), Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata, and Area Motor.
He stated
“Participating companies in the FG’s plan to reduce the transport burden of travelling 5 million Nigerians:
1.GIG ( God is Good)
2. Chisco Transport
3. Young Shall Grow
4. God Bless Ezenwata
5. Area Motor”
To ensure transparency and accessibility, the Presidency also released a comprehensive document detailing the 28 routes these buses will cover. These routes span major cities and hubs across the country, connecting places such as Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Jos, Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, Aba, Abakaliki, Nsukka, Uyo, and Port-Harcourt.
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The listed transport routes encompass critical connections, including Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-Kaduna-Zaria, Lagos-Jos, Lagos-Enugu, and many more. This move not only provides economic relief to travelers but also enhances connectivity and accessibility during the festive season.
In an update for travellers, Onanuga added that
“God Is Good( GiG) will be rolling out pilot phase today at two GiG locations in Lagos:
1. GIG mobility terminal Jibowu, Lagos.
2. GIG mobility terminal AJAH, Lagos.”