The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has officially flagged off the 2024 Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative, a nationwide initiative aimed at easing holiday travel for Nigerians. This special transport scheme, which commenced on December 24, 2024, will run until January 5, 2025, offering discounted travel options to various destinations across the country.
In a statement issued by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director of Press and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Minister directed key transportation unions and operators, including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), God is Good Motors (GIGM), and the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), to deploy their designated palliative buses promptly. The initiative is designed to help Nigerians reunite with their families during the festive season.
Alkali acknowledged the late commencement of the scheme, attributing the delay to logistical challenges that have now been resolved. He assured travelers that the program is fully operational, with designated departure points and schedules already in place.
In Abuja, travelers can board buses from Eagle Square at 6:00 a.m., while in Lagos, buses heading to northern routes will depart from Oshodi Terminal 3, and those heading to southern routes will depart from Oshodi Terminal 2. Additionally, select luxury buses will operate evening departures between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily from Oshodi, Lagos.
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Passengers availing themselves of the scheme will enjoy a 50% discount on transportation costs, making the initiative both cost-effective and accessible. However, the Ministry has urged travelers to exercise patience and avoid rushing, as vehicle availability is limited.
The scheme covers 144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to all state capitals, with Onitsha designated as the departure point for Anambra State. A total of 708 vehicles have been allocated for the 13-day program.
The Ministry also highlighted the ongoing free-train rides provided by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) across six corridors nationwide. Together, these initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of over 17,588 passengers daily, totaling approximately 288,644 travelers during the festive period.
Travelers are encouraged to consult the approved route maps and designated parks for departure and arrival information to ensure a smooth experience. This Christmas bonanza underscores the government’s commitment to easing transportation challenges and fostering connectivity during the yuletide season.
