National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
President Bola Tinubu has announced free train rides for commuters across Nigeria, starting from December 20, 2024, and running through to January 5, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“The president approved the measure to cushion the effect of the high cost of transportation during the Christmas season,” Idris said. The initiative is part of the administration’s effort to ease the financial strain on Nigerians as they prepare for the end-of-year celebrations.
The free train service will operate on all national railway routes, giving millions of Nigerians an opportunity to travel safely and at no cost during the busy holiday season. This gesture is particularly significant as transportation expenses typically rise sharply during Christmas and New Year festivities.
This is not the first time such a policy has been implemented. A similar measure was introduced last year during the Yuletide and Sallah celebrations, providing relief to travelers and encouraging the use of the nation’s expanding rail network.
The free train rides aim to ensure that families can reunite during the holidays without the added burden of transportation costs, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting citizens during challenging economic times.
Commuters are urged to make use of this opportunity and plan their travels early to take full advantage of the service. The initiative is expected to enhance mobility during the festive season while highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s growing rail infrastructure.
