In response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement of waivers on transport fares for interstate road travelers during the Christmas and New Year period, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has revealed its plans to offer free train rides on all its passenger services.
President Tinubu, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the federal government would cover 50% of the transport fares for interstate road travelers across the country during the Yuletide season. Additionally, he declared that train rides would be entirely free nationwide from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
In line with this directive, the NRC issued a statement on Wednesday night, confirming the commencement of free train services for passengers from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to Thursday, January 4, 2024.
The NRC urged passengers to obtain their free tickets exclusively through online e-ticketing platforms, emphasizing that tickets would not be issued at any of the corporation’s train stations. The statement emphasized that boarding the train without a ticket would not be permitted.
The NRC also advised commuters to maintain orderliness, adhere to the instructions of security personnel, and follow the laid-down boarding procedures of the NRC and its officials both at the station and on board the trains.
The statement concluded by extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance to all esteemed customers.