Following President Tinubu’s announcement of a 50% discount on interstate transport fares for the festive season, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed optimism but raised concerns about the policy’s implementation and sustainability.
In a statement released on Thursday, Obi acknowledged the “step in the right direction” but questioned the lack of a long-term plan to address the underlying issue of high transportation costs. He pointed out that millions who had already travelled before the announcement bear the brunt of the original fares, leaving them uncompensated.
“The question this seasonal palliative raises is that of what happens after the festive season,” Obi stated. “Is there a sustainable policy measure to cushion the masses from the current high transportation costs?”
He further raised doubts about the policy’s rollout, claiming investigations in major transport hubs across the country revealed widespread unawareness among operators. “In Abuja, Lagos, Onitsha, Kano, and other cities, transporters are completely in the dark about this 50% discount,” Obi said. “The announced list of participating companies and routes also raises concerns about transparency and potential for abuse.”
Obi urged the government to avoid “mere spin” and implement the policy with clear guidelines and safeguards. “The Nigerian people deserve more than temporary fixes,” he asserted. “Compassion is crucial, but it should not be used to exploit weak governance structures and encourage opaque policymaking.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved a 50 per cent slash in the price of interstate transport fare for Nigerians travelling during the yuletide from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
The President also approved free rides for commuters on all train services within the period.