By Daniel Edu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the approval of a transport fare reduction during the 2023 Yuletide season. The commendation was conveyed by Mr. Pedro Obi, the President of NANS, in a statement issued in Enugu on Wednesday.
The Federal Government, through the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on the Presidential Intervention on Public Transportation, Dele Alake, had announced plans to subsidize luxury bus fares during the festive holidays. The initiative aims to ease transportation for citizens traveling during the holiday season.
Mr. Obi commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, describing the decision as a proactive step toward alleviating the financial burdens faced by travelers. He acknowledged that the transport discount would ease financial strain and make it more feasible for Nigerians to reunite with loved ones and participate in holiday festivities.
While expressing gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, NANS, in its advocacy for students’ welfare, urged President Tinubu to consider extending the generosity further to students across the nation. Mr. Obi suggested that, recognizing the financial challenges faced by students, President Tinubu could alleviate the burden by offering free transport to students with valid student identity cards.
NANS emphasized the importance of supporting the educational pursuits of Nigerian students and believed that extending the transport discount to students would significantly ease their financial challenges, enabling them to travel home without undue constraints. The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, looking forward to further positive actions prioritizing the well-being of students and youths in the nation.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee, had earlier announced Tinubu’s approval of a 50% cut in land transportation fares from December 21 to January 4, 2024, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations. Additionally, zero fares for train transportation were approved in all states across the Federation within the same period as part of the presidential initiative to provide relief to the masses.
