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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the free train service till Sunday January 7, 2024, to allow more Nigerians who are yet to return to their stations enjoy the benefit.
Recall that Federal Government had announced a free train service on all serviced routes and 50% rebate on road transportation from December 21, 2023 to January 4, 2024, on specific routes to reduce the burden of high cost of public transportation during the just concluded Christmas and New Year holidays.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, said over 163,000 Nigerians have benefitted from successful first leg of the yuletide initiative, adding that Tinubu, in further demonstration of his care for the welfare of Nigerians, directed that the free train service should be made available for extra three days to allow more Nigerians to take the advantage.
“The public is advised to note that this extension applies to all three routes currently being serviced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as follows:
- Lagos – Ibadan
- Warri -Itakpe
- Abuja – Kaduna
“It is hoped that Nigerians who are interested in travelling by rail will take full advantage of this unique opportunity aimed at enhancing people’s welfare,” the statement added.