FG rolls out subsidised buses for travellers, declares public holidays

The Federal Government has rolled out buses to commence the 2024 Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative and declared December 25 and 26, 2024, as well as January 1, 2025, as public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations, respectively.

Announcing the holidays yesterday, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged Nigerians to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season represents.

Emphasising the importance of the season as a time to strengthen familial and communal bonds, Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress essential for the nation’s development.

“The Christmas season is a moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” he said.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the country.

While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to usher in a better and more prosperous economy in the New Year.

The Minister of Transport, Sa’id Alkali, directed selected transporters to move their buses to designated loading points early on December 24, 2024, to commence transportation for Nigerians seeking to benefit from the scheme for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 celebrations.

During the flag-off yesterday, the minister acknowledged that the scheme’s late start was due to logistical challenges, which had now been largely resolved.

The Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), and God is Good Motors (GIGM) to implement the initiative, offering a 50 per cent subsidy on transportation costs.

He explained, “Nigerians intending to use this scheme from Abuja will depart from Eagle Square at 6:00 a.m., while those in Lagos will use Oshodi Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is for northern routes, and Terminal 2 is for southern routes. Daily departure time is 6:00 a.m.”

“Passengers should note that they will be required to pay 50 per cent of the usual fare to benefit from the Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative,” Alkali added.

He advised Nigerians to avoid overcrowding, given the limited number of vehicles designated for the scheme, to prevent unpleasant experiences. Alkali disclosed that 708 buses would operate on 144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to all state capitals, with Onitsha serving as the designated point for Anambra State. The scheme will run for 13 days, from Sunday, December 24, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is offering free train rides across its six corridors nationwide during this period.