The Federal Government of Nigeria launched a 50% interstate transport fare reduction initiative on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, aimed at easing travel costs for citizens during the Yuletide season. This program, initially announced on Thursday, December 19, 2024, experienced a slight delay due to funding challenges from the Ministry of Finance, pushing the commencement date back from the initially planned December 20, 2024. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transportation and major stakeholders in the road transport sector, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), among others.
This transport palliative scheme covers 144 routes originating from Abuja and Lagos, extending to all state capitals except Anambra, where Onitsha serves as the designated point. The program utilizes 708 vehicles provided by various transport companies and unions, with allocated routes distributed among them. God is Good Motors (GIGM) handles four routes, ALBON manages 32, the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) contributes three, NURTW covers 22, and RTEAN manages 12 routes. The operation is scheduled to run for 13 days, from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025, providing a significant window of opportunity for travelers to benefit from the reduced fares.
Designated departure points have been established to streamline the process. In Abuja, travelers depart from Eagle Square, while in Lagos, Oshodi Terminal 3 serves as the hub for northward journeys, and Oshodi Terminal 2 caters to those traveling south. The daily departure time is set for 6:00 a.m. from both Abuja and Lagos. However, certain participating luxury bus operators, like GIGM, offer more flexible departure times, ranging from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Oshodi, Lagos. This staggered approach accommodates varying travel schedules and preferences.
Passengers availing themselves of this initiative are required to pay only 50% of the regular fare, significantly reducing their travel expenses. The Minister of Transport, Said Alkali, acknowledging the delayed start, attributed it to logistical challenges that have since been largely resolved. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible transportation for citizens, particularly during the festive period. This program complements the free rail transportation initiative that also commenced on December 20, 2024, further demonstrating the government’s efforts to alleviate travel costs.
While the official launch date was December 24, 2024, not all participating transport providers commenced operations simultaneously. God is Good Motors, for instance, confirmed their readiness to begin on the designated date, offering passengers the convenience of online booking through their app. Their designated departure points are Oshodi Terminal in Lagos and Eagle Square in Abuja, aligning with the overall scheme’s designated locations. This staggered approach to commencement, while not ideal, allowed for individual operators to finalize their logistical preparations.
The 50% fare reduction initiative is expected to significantly impact inter-state travel during the Yuletide, making it more affordable for many Nigerians. By partnering with established transport operators and unions, the government aims to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of the program. The designated departure points and standardized departure times will further streamline the process, minimizing confusion and delays. The combination of the fare reduction and free rail transport options offers a comprehensive approach to easing travel burdens during the holiday season, reflecting a concerted effort to address the needs of the traveling public.
