Yuletide: FG kicks off free road transport scheme

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has officially kicked off the 2024 Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative.

Transport Ministry, Director, Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, said this in a statement on Monday.

The statement, “He has directed the Leadership of Road Transportation Unions – Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, National Union of Road Transport Workers, God is Good Motors, and Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria to ensure that their palliative buses are moved to the designated loading points early on the 24th December 2024 to begin moving Nigerians who seek to take advantage of the Road Transport to join their loved ones across the country for Christmas (2024) and New Year Day (2025)”.

Acknowledging the delay in the scheme’s commencement, Alkali expressed regret, citing logistical challenges that have now been resolved.

“Nigerians who intend to use this scheme from Abuja will take off from Eagle Square by 6.00 a.m., while those who are taking off from Lagos are to use Oshodi Terminal 3 for those going Northern routes and Oshodi Terminal 2 for those going Southern routes.

“The time for daily take-off is 6 a.m. However, some of the participating luxury buses are taking off by 6-7 p.m. daily from Oshodi, Lagos. Passengers intending to take advantage of the Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative should note that they will be required to pay 50% of the cost that they will otherwise pay.

“The Management of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has further advised that Nigerians should please avoid rushing in the face of the limited numbers of vehicles designated for the 2024 Yuletide Bus Palliative to avoid unpleasant experiences.

“144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to all State Capitals except Anambra, which will be Onitsha with 708 vehicles have been planned for the 2024 Yuletide Road Transport Palliative. Kicking off on Tuesday, 24th of December, 2024, and running till Sunday, 5th January 2025, means that the scheme will last for 13 days”, Alkali stated.

The minister also highlighted the ongoing free train rides provided by the Nigerian Railway Corporation on six corridors across the country, further enhancing transportation options for Nigerians during the festive season.

The Ministry of Transportation encouraged Nigerians to review the approved route maps and designated terminals for smooth travel planning.