The National Association of Nigerian Students has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the 2023 Yuletide season transport discount.
The President of NANS, Mr. Pedro Obi, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Enugu while appreciating Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
The Federal Government, through the Chairman, Inter-ministerial Committee on the Presidential Intervention on Public Transportation, Dele Alake, announced plans to subsidise all luxury buses for ease of transportation for citizens willing to travel this festive holidays.
Obi said that the decision demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and showcased a proactive step towards alleviating the burdens being faced by travellers.
He said, “This discount undoubtedly eases the financial strain on many Nigerians, making it more feasible for them to reunite with loved ones and partake in the festivities.
“However, while appreciating this thoughtful gesture, NANS, in its advocacy for students’ welfare, encourages President Tinubu to consider extending this generosity further to students across the nation.
“Recognising the financial challenges faced by students, especially during the holiday season, NANS urges President Tinubu to further alleviate the burden by offering free transport for students who can be identified with their student identity cards.”
Obi said NANS understood the importance of supporting the educational pursuits of Nigerian students and firmly believes that such an extension of the transport discount to students would significantly alleviate their financial challenges.
He said this would enable them (students) to travel to their various homes without undue financial constraints.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for the welfare and interests of Nigerian students and eagerly anticipates further positive actions that prioritise the well-being of the nation’s students and youths,” he said.
Alake, who is also Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said that Tinubu’s approval of a 50 per cent cut in land transportation fares last from December 21 to January 4, 2024, across the country, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Alake said the president had also approved zero fares for train transportation in all the states across the Federation within the same period, adding that “this presidential initiative is to give succour to the masses.”
The minister, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that all the logistics for the implementation had been worked out between the minister of transportation, the transport unions and luxury bus owners.