The Federal Executive Council FEC, has approved free train service for Nigerians who wish to travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays
Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, announced this on Monday following the conclusion of the cabinet meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Idris stated that the free train service will operate from December 20, 2024, until January 5, 2025.
The Executive Council also approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
It is the last meeting of the executive council of the federation for the year 2024 and an opportunity for cabinet members to take stock of events in relation to policies and programmes initiated and executed during the outgoing year.
Council passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu for successfully driving the renewed hope agenda with his bold economic reforms which have been greeted with mixed reactions from Nigerians.
However, the government has a piece of cheering news for Nigerians intending to travel this yuletide via the rail lines.
MUST READ:FG Extends Yuletide Free Train Services To Sunday January 7, 2024
The free rail service gesture which was first implemented in 2023 is part of government’s efforts to ease movement of travellers during the yuletide amid high cost of transportation compounded by inflation.
However, unlike last year, this year’s package does not include road trips
Minister of information and national orientation, Mohamed Idris also announced council’s decision to rename the university of Abuja after former Head of State, Retired General Yakubu Gowon.
Minister of Budget and national planning Atiku Bagudu and Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun explained that there has been some adjustments to the proposed 2025 budget.
Council also approved memos for the ministry of power including additional funding to facilitate the completion of the Siemens deal for improved electricity supply.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
