NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Friday that free train rides were open to no fewer than 340,000 passengers across the country from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.

NRC acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanuse, made this known while addressing newsmen after a train started the operation, carrying passengers from the Kubwa Railway Station to Kaduna.

He said that no fewer than 20,000 passengers would be conveyed daily from their stations to various destinations.

“So, we have an average of 20,000 passengers every day that will ride the train free of charge. Approximately, we are going to carry about 340,000 passengers over the period.

“As we commence today, we are expecting this to last until early January. So, today, on average, we have done 20,000 across some routes where the free train is happening.

“The routes are Abuja-Kaduna route, Lagos-Ibadan route, Port Harcourt- Abia route, Lagos Mass Transit route and Wari-Itakpe route.

“This morning, everything went seamlessly,” he said.

Iloanuse said that passengers with tickets boarded the trains and those without tickets were profiled.

He urged passengers to use the initiative of the Federal Government by making their plans early.

“Book online, the tickets are available. It makes it easy for us to allow you to board if you have a ticket. Also, importantly, please ensure you have a valid identification like NIN, international passport, valid driver’s licence.

“To ease the burden of the masses, the palliative is one of the ways the Federal Government is trying to do this, and this palliative will last till early January 2025.

“In terms of security, we have beefed up our security. Some of you at Kubwa Railway station, you will admit that you notice the presence of extra security on ground, “ he said.

According to him, the NRC has put an effective system in place to ensure that people cannot buy multiple tickets.

Passengers that spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

Mrs Aina Omoworare, a civil servant, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s initiative in the transport sector, said she enjoyed the same palliative last year.

She said that she was also going to Kaduna free of charge by train this year, to return next year.

Mr Muhammed Idris, a trader, said he thought the initiative was not true, but was glad that the government was fulfilling the announcement. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FG offers free train service nationwide

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By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Government on Monday said it would offer free train service to all Nigerians from Dec. 20 up until Jan. 5, 2025.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Idris said the free train service was consistent with President Tinubu’s desire to cushion the effect of high transportation costs for the most vulnerable Nigerians.

“Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sallah period, and Mr President has also approved that this year, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, there will be free transport service nationwide,” he said.

The Minister also said FEC approved a proposal by President Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

“The University of Abuja will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University. Of course, the processing will have to go to the National Assembly, for all legislation in that direction.

“But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman,” said Idris.

He also said the Council commended President Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.

He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6, 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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