Labour Party’s Peter Obi Expresses Optimism but Raises Concerns Over President Tinubu’s 50% Transport Fare Discount

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, has expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s recent announcement of a 50% discount on interstate transport fares for the festive season. However, Obi has raised concerns about the implementation and long-term sustainability of the policy.

In a statement released on Thursday, Obi acknowledged the discount as a “step in the right direction” but questioned the absence of a long-term plan to address the root cause of high transportation costs. He highlighted that many travellers who had already purchased tickets before the announcement would not benefit from the reduced fares, leaving them uncompensated.

Obi raised doubts about the effective rollout of the policy, citing investigations in major transport hubs across the country that revealed widespread unawareness among operators. He specifically mentioned Abuja, Lagos, Onitsha, Kano, and other cities where transporters seemed unaware of the 50% discount. He also expressed concerns about transparency and potential abuse in the announced list of participating companies and routes.

The presidential candidate urged the government to implement the policy with clear guidelines and safeguards, emphasizing the need for sustainable measures beyond temporary fixes. He cautioned against exploiting weak governance structures and opaque policymaking under the guise of compassion.

President Tinubu had announced the 50% slash in the price of interstate transport fares for Nigerians travelling during the yuletide from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Additionally, free rides on all train services were approved for commuters during this period.

Source: Politics Nigeria