FG Launches Yuletide Road Transportation Relief.. As RTEAN, NURTW, GIGM, and ALBON to ensure buses move to Loading points early
Oru Leonard
The Federal Ministry of Transportation has kicked off the 2024 Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative, aimed at easing the movement of Nigerians during the festive season. Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has directed the Leadership of Road Transportation Unions – Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), God is Good Motors (GIGM), and Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) 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).
Alkali expressed regrets that the scheme is taking off late, stating that the delay is due to some logistic issues, which have now been largely sorted.
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. Time for daily take-off is 6 a.m. However, some of the participating luxury buses are taking off by 6-7p.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 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.
In a press release signed by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press and Public Relations,144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to all State Capitals except Anambra, which will be Onitsha with 708 vehicles have 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.
It should be recalled that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is already running 100% free-train ride on its 6 corridors across the country.
For the 2024 Yuletide and New Year (Up to 5th of January, 2025), it is hoped that 17, 588 persons will be moved to and fro daily, and 288,644 passengers will be moved to and fro across the nation.
See the approved route maps and designated parks for taking off and arrivals.
Key Highlights:
– Discounted Fares: Passengers will pay 50% of the normal fare ¹.
– Designated Loading Points: Eagle Square in Abuja and Oshodi Terminals 2 and 3 in Lagos.
– Daily Departures: 6:00 a.m. from Abuja and Lagos, with some luxury buses departing between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. from Lagos.
– Free Train Rides: The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is offering 100% free train rides on its six corridors across the country.
