Dele Alake Announces: Over 163,000 Nigerians Benefit from FG’s Transportation Subsidy Program

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and chairman of the committee overseeing the implementation of the end-of-the-year transportation subsidy programme, announced that more than 163,000 Nigerians have availed themselves of the federal government’s transportation rebate.

This initiative, launched on December 19, 2023, featured free transportation along the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) routes and a noteworthy 50% subsidy on travel expenses for passengers commuting on 30 designated routes serviced by bus operators affiliated with the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON).

Alake, speaking through his aide Kehinde Bamigbetan, highlighted the committee’s proactive measures, including the incorporation of two additional routes and collaboration with various stakeholders such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), state-owned transport companies, and the Private Transport Operators Association (PTONA).

Between December 21 and 31, 2023, the NRC transported a commendable 71,000 passengers, while ALBON-affiliated buses carried 77,122 travelers. Furthermore, 652 bus trips originating from Oshodi Interchange in Lagos accommodated 15,766 passengers.

The minister emphasized, “Between December 21 and December 31, 2023, figures available show that the NRC conveyed 71,000 passengers, while buses operating under the auspices of ALBON carried 77,122 passengers, and 652 bus trips originating travels from Oshodi Interchange in Lagos carried 15,766.” The statement highlighted that a staggering 163,878 passengers benefited from this initiative within the first 10 days.

Alake underscored the dual benefits of the program, stating, “Train-bound passengers enjoyed total free service, while road travelers paid only 50% of the fares. The subsidies ranged from a saving of N21,500 on a Lagos-Abuja road trip fare of N43,000 to N15,000 on a Lagos–Onitsha bus fare of N30,000.”

As the program continues, Alake appealed for the continued cooperation of bus companies in facilitating the return of passengers to their respective locations until January 4, ensuring the sustained success of this impactful transportation subsidy.