FG’s Transport Relief Packages And Economic Recovery

FG’s Transport Relief Packages And Economic Recovery

So many people doubted the feasibility of the just concluded Federal Government policy to provide discount for travellers during the last festive period.

The programme has ended and findings reveal that it was a success going by the fact that so many Nigerians of all categories used the platforms for their journey.

It was around 21st of December, 2023, that the Federal Government announced the introduction of 50%, discount for travellers using some selected private transport companies during the festive period .

The number of the selected transport companies for the programme was later increased to cover more people.

Subsequently, the relief scheme also covered rail transport system with 100% discount, meaning if you are traveling by train you will not pay money, hence it only requires acquiring online tickets through the Nigeria Railway Corporation’s website.

For the online entry to be successful, one basic requirement among others are the, National Identification Number and a consistent telephone number.

The festive period transportation palliatives nevertheless, attracted reactions from many quarters on how the government can leverage on the success of the policy to resolve other economic challenges caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy.

It is pertinent to note here that,reliably, most Nigerians who were able to use the transport platforms commended the gesture and some of the transport companies as well as the management of the rail transport, are also willing to continue the exercise, meaning more relief for many Nigerians who will be able to access the services.

In spite of the commendations, there is need for improvement towards sustaining the gesture.

Many have argued that the exercise is elitist as many especially the rural populace may not have internet facilities to access the online services which is a condition for the programmes especially the rail transport.

Also, the other group cautioned against corrupt practices that could hinder transparent processes.

All in all, in as much as the exercise has been rated by many as commendable, government should as a matter of necessity inject a formula that will help the rural populace enjoy the services.

Secondly, there is also the need to involve the masses directly or indirectly in the operations by making open certain information about the programmes towards ensuring checks and balances on defaulting agencies and institutions.

These measures if well articulated and replicated in other sectors of the economy will be heralding genuine, feasible and reliable economic recovery path for the nation.

By Chikezie Chinkata, Edited By Grace Namiji