Passengers are delighted at President Bola Tinubu’s approval of free train rides nationwide from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The President made this announcement to the delight of many passengers on Monday and seems to have opened the gate of travel to many who had given up on seeing their loved ones this season as they could not afford the skyrocketing transport fares.
While speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the move was part of the measures to ease transportation costs during the Yuletide.
He said, “As we did last year, there will be free train service to all Nigerians from December 20 up until January 5, free train service nationwide.
“This is consistent with the President’s desire to cushion the effect of transportation, especially to the most vulnerable Nigerians.
“Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sallah period. And the President has also approved that this year.”
Speaking with passengers randomly on the development, Yetunde Adeogun said, ”if not for the announcement, I wouldn’t have travelled to my hometown this year.”
Adeogu added that she already announced to her son that they wouldn’t be travelling this year, but with the gesture from the president, she will meet her parent.
“The fact that the free rides will start on the 20th gives me joy. I am so happy, and I appreciate Tinubu for this. But please ensure that there is close monitoring with the handlers so that Dey won’t insist on taking money for what the President already declared as free.”
She added that with the current economic challenges faced by the country, “Gestures like this will bring smiles to the lips of Nigerians.”
Another passenger, Azeezat Aina, also said, “We thank the government for the development; this came at the right time. I am thrilled and happy, and I say thank you to President Tinubu.”
Also, Mr. Adewale, who lives in Ogun State but works in Lagos, expressed joy with the development, saying the announcement will help him save his transport till the 5th of January, starting from the 20th of December.
“At least I can save my transport to augment the high price of chicken for the children on the 25th. Thank you to Mr. President; we really appreciate it.”