A section of Nigerians have aired their minds on the 50% cut in the cost of transport fares by President Bola Tinubu.
Some travellers commended the interventions aimed at reducing the high cost of transport at the festive season.
Recall the federal government had disclosed that from December 21 to January 4, 2024, Nigerians would enjoy a 50 per cent discount on inter-state bus transport along 22 major routes.
The FG also disclosed that the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) would be offering free train rides within the same period.
Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman, Yuletide Transport Subsidy Inter-ministerial Committee, Mr Dele Alake monitored implementation of the 50% transport cut.
“Travelling to see their loved ones at the end of the year has been the norm for Nigerians, for decades, irrespective of religious inclinations.
“Therefore, the far-reaching effect of discounted inter-state bus fares and free train rides on the citizenry, cannot be over emphasised,” Tomori said.
According to him, a passenger, Miss Deborah, at the God is Good Motors (GIGM) Park in Ajah, Lagos, captured the mood of passengers across the country.
“Deborah described the intervention as a novel and pro-masses initiative by any Federal Government in the country’s history.
“I am travelling from Ajah here in Lagos. I am going to Benin and I just received my 50 per cent discount palliative from the Federal Government (displaying her receipt) and I’m so excited.
“Thank you so much, Mr President!.”
According to him, another passenger simply known as Ebele, travelling from Mararaba, Abuja aboard the GIGM bus to Edo, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the gesture.
According to her, “it is a good feeling. I got the refund of 50 per cent of my fares. I had paid N36,800 initially but I got half of that back. This is a real palliative and I am grateful to the President.
“Another commuter, Lucky travelling from Mararaba, Abuja to Owerri, Imo, said the original fare was N32,300 but on getting here, they said the president had given them a 50 per cent discount.
“He said N16,150 was refunded to him, adding that he had received his own alert.
“Impact stories also abound from train commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna routes.
“A twitter user @ayotem4real had tweeted, “Just got two free train tickets (Lagos – Ibadan) for my son and mum.
En route to the Babatunde Fashola station.Thank you, Mr President.
“A passenger aboard the Idu train station in Abuja to Kaduna revealed that for those who have validated their names, it is a smooth ride from the Idu train station in Abuja.”
According to Tomori, another elderly commuter aboard the Idu train station to Kaduna, showered encomiums on the President.
“He said thank God, the President has offered this free ride to us from Abuja to Kaduna and for others across the country.
“The President is now trying but some are trying to sabotage the system. They will not succeed. My prayer is that Nigeria will be better.
“When the government is making efforts, it shall affect all Nigerians and I say thanks to the government. They should keep it up.”
Alake, who is also the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said the intervention was a target of lifting five million commuters this season.
The minister recalled that the attendant effect of fuel subsidy removal had led to skyrocketing transport fares which had necessitated palliatives from government to cushion its effects.
The minister said the government was partnering with major transport companies like Good is Good (GIG) motors, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata and Area Motor.
“In view of high demand across the country, the routes have since been scaled up from 22 to 28.
“While citizens travelling from Lagos – Nigeria’s commercial hub, to other states like Akure and Ilorin via mini buses from the Oshodi bus interchange, are also beneficiaries.
“In just 48 hours since the commencement of the subsidised transport scheme, the implementation has been impressive across the country, it will only get better as the days progress.
“It should also be noted that after the holidays, Nigerians can take advantage of the discounted rates to return to their respective bases, on or before Jan. 4, 2024,” the minister had said.
Alake said with the palliative that was touching lives, down to the grassroots, it was apparent that the President was deeply committed to the welfare of the people.
The minister added that the president was working round the clock for shared prosperity, adding that an apt message could be deduced from the intervention.
Association commends FG on 50% transport fare rebate
Meanwhile, the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) has commended the Federal Government’s 50 per cent transport fare rebate for passengers travelling by road.
This is contained in a statement by the ALBON Secretary, Mr Nonso Ubajaka and Mr Frank Nneji, the Founder of Associated Bus Company (ABC) Transport on Friday in Abuja.
ALBON is the organization overseeing the owners and operators of long distance mass transit Interstate bus service.
The association urged the passengers to take advantage of the gesture of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu by enjoying the 50 per cent bus fare reduction.
“This substantial discount, approved by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, effected from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, on select routes operated by ALBON members.
“All passengers travelling during this festive period are enjoined to alleviate their transportation cost to their various destinations during this festive period.”
“The association also commend the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, for his tireless efforts to providing significant relief for the traveling masses during this festive period.” he said.
ALBON described the gesture as the dawn of the “Renewed Hope“ for the association in the Luxury Bus industry and their numerous passengers nationwide.
“The 50% fare reduction is expected to greatly benefit the travelling public during the festive period.
“ALBON’s commendation signifies a vote of confidence in Senator Alkali’s leadership in the transportation sector,” he added.
Group commends FG over 50% subsidy on transport fares
Similarly, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) had commended the Federal Government’s initiative in subsidising 50 per cent of transportation fares for commuters during the yuletide along 22 major routes across the country.
The commendation was contained in a statement signed by Mr Isaac Abrak, Chairman of
NCYP and made available on Friday to newsmen in Kaduna.
Abrak said that President Tinubu’s government had once again demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of the common man.
He said: “The NCYP acknowledges and appreciates the efforts made towards making life more convenient for the citizens.
“This initiative is another testimony that the removal of the fuel subsidy, though a bold move, is viewed by the NCYP as being in the best interest of the Nigerian people.
“As a Christian group, the NCYP is particularly elated about the rebate, recognising its positive impact on Christians nationwide.”
The chairman further said that the subsidy will enable Christians to travel and celebrate Christmas with their family and friends across the country, fostering love, friendship, and the culture of sharing synonymous with the Christmas celebration.
“The NCYP encourages christians and the public to take full advantage of this humane initiative, which is scheduled to run from Wednesday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
“We urge everyone to travel in peace and spend quality time with their loved ones during this festive season.
“Furthermore, the NCYP appeals to the security agencies to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration across the nation,” he said.
Abrak, however, urged on Christians to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu’s success in the audacious reforms being carried out in various sectors, especially the economy.
He also said that the NCYP extends its encouragement to the selected transporters participating in this initiative, including God is Good, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenata, Area Motors, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“We implore them to ensure that travelers genuinely enjoy the benefits of this project.
“The NCYP is committed to monitoring the exercise nationwide to ensure its success.
“As we approach the festive season, let us celebrate the spirit of Christmas with joy, unity, and gratitude.
“May this initiative bring about a memorable and peaceful holiday for all Nigerians,” Abrak added.
MM2 terminal full of activity ahead Christmas break
Also, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Terminal 2, at the local wing of the airport in Lagos, was full of activity on Friday, as travellers trooped in to fly, ahead of the Christmas break.
A correspondent who visited the terminal reports that some of the intending travellers said they had to contend with high fares.
A clearing agent, who simply identified himself as Chuks, said prices of tickets to Kano were too high and fully booked for the big airlines.
“The last time I travelled it was N120,000 that I paid but today is very expensive,” he said.
According to him, he was finding it difficult to get economy class ticket, and settling for business class would see him paying double the amount.
Another passenger, who identified herself as Mrs Hariet Aniete, said was travelling with her entire family and had her preference in terms of airlines.
She said that though there was an airline offering cheaper fares to her destination, she would rather book a flight for Saturday with her preferred airline despite the fare difference.
A passenger who simply identified himself as Godswill, boarding Air Peace to Abuja, said the short holiday was a perfect time for family reunion and he bought tickets ahead.
“The hike should be expected, it is usually like that towards Christmas,” he said.
However, a businessman, Mr Sunday Olayemi, said though the airport was busy, the passenger traffic was still lower than that of last year.
“This time last year, you would have seen long queues of people struggling to buy tickets.
“This time, the pressure is less, because I believe a lot of families will take advantage of the free train rides and 50 per cent subsidy on road transport.
“I only came to make enquiry, let those that are rushing go, I will fly on Christmas day when the prices of tickets will crash,” he said.
A passenger who declined to give his name disclosed he arrived in Lagos since Monday but could not make a return to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital because tickets were fully booked.
He said he had to stay in a hotel since Tuesday and relied on a travel agent to get a ticket on Ibom Air.
“My flight is by 6.30 p.m. but I checked out of the hotel by noon when the ticket lady called and said she was able to secure one for me at N185,000 to Uyo.
“I Immediately transferred the money to her and rushed here, I am happy that I will be in Akwa Ibom for Christmas,” he said.
Some passengers told NAN that several airlines flying to Abuja on Friday were fully booked.
