50% transport fare slash, step in right direction – Peter Obi commends Tinubu

The Labour Party, LP, 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Friday commended President Bola Tinubu for the 50 per cent slash in the price of interstate transportation fare.

Obi said the Tinubu government’s first-time intervention intended to help the masses was a step in the right direction.

Posting on X, Obi said the major concern was after the implementation of the policy.

He wrote: “I read the reports of the President’s approval of a 50 per cent slash in the price of interstate transport fare for Nigerians travelling during this Yuletide from Thursday 21, 2023 to January 4, 2024. The news reports added that the President also approved free rides for commuters on all train services within the period.

“If fully implemented, as reported, I consider this first-time intervention of the government, intended to help the masses, a step in the right direction.

“However, the major concern about such emergency measures is what happens afterwards.

“The high cost of transportation and associated hardships are all well known. The question this seasonal palliative raises is that of what happens after the festive season.

“Is there a sustainable policy measure to cushion the masses from the current high transportation costs? Even the current effort comes with operational challenges.

“Millions of people have already traveled bearing the brunt and huge costs of such travels. How will such people get their refunds or be compensated?”