The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has declared that, as of this Thursday, all of its passenger services will offer free train rides.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Wednesday that interstate road travelers will not have to pay transportation charges during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
According to Tinubu, the federal government will pay 50% of the transportation costs for anyone traveling throughout the nation on interstate roads during the Yuletide season.
The President also announced that from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024, train rides will be free countrywide.
Following the President’s order, the NRC said in a statement on Wednesday night that it will start providing free train service for its passengers from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Additionally, NRC advised travelers to get free tickets online because none of the company’s rail stations will be selling them.
The statement reads, “Passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only. Tickets will not be issued at any of the corporation’s train stations. Please note that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.
“We enjoin commuters to be orderly, obey security personnel and the laid down boarding instructions of the NRC and those of its officials while at the station and on board the trains. We wish all our esteemed customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.”
