The Federal Government has launched the 2024 Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative. The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, aims to provide affordable travel options for Nigerians journeying to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Transport Ministry, made the announcement on Monday.
According to the statement, the scheme involves collaboration with key transport unions, including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, God is Good Motors, and the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria. These groups have been tasked to ensure buses are ready at designated loading points by December 24th to facilitate travel.
Minister Alkali acknowledged initial delays in the program’s rollout due to logistical setbacks but assured the public that the issues have been resolved.
“Nigerians who intend to use this scheme from Abuja will take off from Eagle Square by 6.00 a.m., while those who are taking off from Lagos are to use Oshodi Terminal 3 for those going Northern routes and Oshodi Terminal 2 for those going Southern routes.
“The time for daily take-off is 6 a.m. However, some of the participating luxury buses are taking off by 6-7 p.m. daily from Oshodi, Lagos. Passengers intending to take advantage of the Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative should note that they will be required to pay 50% of the cost that they will otherwise pay.
“The Management of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has further advised that Nigerians should please avoid rushing in the face of the limited numbers of vehicles designated for the 2024 Yuletide Bus Palliative to avoid unpleasant experiences.
“144 routes from Abuja and Lagos to all State Capitals except Anambra, which will be Onitsha with 708 vehicles have been planned for the 2024 Yuletide Road Transport Palliative. Kicking off on Tuesday, 24th of December, 2024, and running till Sunday, 5th January 2025, means that the scheme will last for 13 days”, Alkali stated.
