The Federal Government has announced the commencement of its 50% interstate transport fare subsidy today, December 24, 2024. This initiative, designed to ease travel costs during the Yuletide season, will benefit passengers traveling from major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.
The scheme, which was delayed due to funding challenges from the Ministry of Finance, will now run until January 5, 2025. The Ministry of Transportation stated that the project would be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON).
According to a Memorandum of Understanding, the initiative will operate across 144 routes nationwide, using 708 vehicles. For example, God is Good Motors (GIGM) was allocated four routes, while ALBON received 32 routes, NURTW 22 routes, and RTEAN 12 routes.
Passengers traveling from Abuja will depart from Eagle Square at 6:00 a.m., while those in Lagos heading to northern routes will leave from Oshodi Terminal 3, and those traveling to southern destinations will depart from Oshodi Terminal 2. Luxury buses operating under the scheme will run between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily.
Passengers will be required to pay only 50% of the usual fare to take advantage of the subsidy. Free rail transportation, which began on December 20, 2024, will also continue alongside this road transport initiative.
The Minister of Transport, Said Alkali, acknowledged the delay in launching the scheme and attributed it to logistical issues, which have now been resolved. “This scheme, running for 13 days, is aimed at making travel more affordable for Nigerians during the festive season,” Alkali said.
Chief Executive Officer of God is Good Motors (GIGM), Enahoro Ekhae, confirmed that the company’s buses would begin operations today and encouraged passengers to book online via the GIGM app for convenience.
The subsidy will be available until January 5, 2025, covering all state capitals except Anambra, where services will terminate in Onitsha.
This effort by the Federal Government highlights its commitment to alleviating travel costs for Nigerians during the holiday season, despite initial delays in execution.
