Yuletide: FG approves free train rides

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Federal Government has approved free train rides nationwide for commuters from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Monday.

Idris explained that the President approved the initiative to alleviate the burden of high transportation costs during the Christmas season.

A similar initiative was implemented last year during both the Yuletide and Sallah celebrations.

In addition to this, the FEC has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja in honour of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (RTD). The institution will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University, pending approval by the National Assembly.

The meeting concluded with members of the executive council commending President Tinubu for his leadership over the past year.

“Members of the Federal Executive Council also reiterated their commitment and support for his programmes and leadership,” Idris stated.

He also confirmed that the FEC would go into recess from December 18, 2024, until January 6, 2025, meaning there would be no FEC meetings during this period.

“We are also happy to announce that, as was done last year, free train services will be available to all Nigerians from December 20 until January 5,” he said.

Idris further noted that the initiative is in line with the President’s goal to mitigate the impact of transportation costs, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.