Peter Obi of the Labour Party has raised concerns about the recent announcement of a 50% discount on interstate transportation fares for Nigerians by President Bola Tinubu during the festive period.
Tinubu has announced that effective from December 21st, 2023, to January 4th, 2024, Nigerians travelling during the season will enjoy a 50% slash on fares.
Peter Obi, reacting to this news via his X handle, raised concerns about the long-term solution to the chronic issue of high transportation costs.
“I read the reports of the President’s approval of a 50 per cent slash in the price of interstate transport fare for Nigerians travelling during this Yuletide from Thursday 21, 2023 to January 4, 2024.
“The news reports added that the president also approved free rides for commuters on all train services within the period.
“If fully implemented, as reported, I consider this first-time intervention of the government, intended to help the masses, a step in the right direction.
“However, the major concern about such emergency measures is what follows afterwards. The fight cost of transportation and associated hardships are all well known.
“The question this seasonal palliative raises is that of what happens after the festive season. Is there a sustainable policy measure to cushion the masses from the current high transportation costs?
“Even the current efforts come with operational challenges, millions of people have already travelled bearing the brunt and huge cost of such travels
“How will such people get their refunds or be compensated?
“Following the government’s announcement of a 50% discount on interstate transport fare for Nigerians, I have taken time to inquire into the implementation mechanics across different cities but I have been disappointed.
“Today, I sent out contacts who consulted widely with the transporters in major parks across the country… none of the transporters in these parks was aware of this 50% discount.
“The government has again announced the few transport companies chosen to participate in the intervention for which 28 Routes have been designated.
“There are obvious questions on the integrity of this intervention effort.
“I pray that this is not yet another spin to curry favour in the media space after appetizing the people.
“The Nigerian people are going through untold hardship and the government must not remain insensitive to their sufferings.
“Compassion on the part of government is a good thing, but it should not be an avenue for exploiting the weak structures of government to encourage less than transparent policy implementation,” he wrote.
