The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engineer Fidet Okhiria on Thursday confirmed that the free train ride for the yuletides has been extended to the 7th of January, 2024.
The NRC MD confirmed this new development to the Nigerian Tribune over a telephone call on Thursday, 4th of January, 2024.
The Corporation also left a pop-up message on its website which reads: “Dear Passengers, We are pleased to inform you that train services will be free of charge from December 21, 2023, to January 7, 2024 as per the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on the 20th of December, 2023 approved a 50 per cent discount for inter-state road travels, and 100 per cent for train trips, for Nigerians travelling to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals, disclosed the development while briefing state house correspondents noting that the discount will run from December 21 to January 4, 2024.
Alake said, “In recognition of the economic situation of the country which he is working very hard to turn around, President Tinubu wants Nigerians to be able to travel within Nigeria to wherever they want to go to meet their loved ones without the extra burden of paying exorbitantly for inter-state public transportation.
“It is in this wise that the Federal Government is announcing, beginning from tomorrow, a special discounted holiday season fare on road transport and zero-fare by rail across Nigeria.
“What this means is that from tomorrow, Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via luxury buses at a 50% discount of current cost and all our train services on the routes the trains currently serve at zero cost to and fro on their travels this holiday season.”
Alake also said to achieve the discount, the federal government through the Ministry of Transportation, will be working with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
“The federal government under the leadership of president Tinubu is working very hard to make sure Nigerians have a memorable and happy holiday season,” he added.
“The president has already directed the police, department of state services, the military and other security agencies to work collaboratively to ensure the holiday period is safe without any security breach in any part of the country.
“While we wish all Nigerians a great holiday season, we implore everyone to be law abiding, be security conscious, be our brother’s keepers, extend every goodwill to our families, friends and neighbours.
“We should continue to work within our sphere of influence to make our country the very best we all desire her to be.
“While we celebrate and enjoy all the social activities that come with the season, let us also remember to celebrate in moderation.
. TheWitness
