NRC raises alarm over implementation of free train rides during Yuletide

The Nigerian government’s reduction of the transit fare has been lamented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The Corporation stated that it has yet to recover from prior government-issued transit fare waivers fully.

According to Zingtie, the Federal Government declared on Wednesday that there will be free train fares and a 50% waiver on road transport over the holiday season.

It is a part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to alleviate the high expense of living in the nation, particularly over the holidays.

Though she praised the development, Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the NRC, raised concerns about the intervention scheme’s cost and expressed optimism that the government could cover it.

“This is not the first time. We did this two years ago. It was effective. I say we’ve yet to recover from that,” he told Channels TV.

“But what is the government for? The government is to make sure that people have comfort as much as possible.

“And we are quite willing and wishing to provide that service. You know, you don’t forget in the developed world, they get this thing either directly or indirectly.

“You recall during the COVID, even private companies were given relief, and those without jobs like in the UK, US, and everywhere. So it’s a good thing that the government considers we should do a free service, but they should also be willing to provide the resources to do it.

“We are hoping this time they are going to give us fuel and those 15 days we are going to provide the free service. They are also willing to provide at least the money we pay to the cleaners and the security.”

He claims that in addition to other costs, the agency will still need to purchase diesel to run the trains.

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