President Bola Tinubu has approved a nationwide free train service for commuters from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, as part of measures to alleviate transportation costs during the festive season.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Idris noted that the initiative aligns with the President’s commitment to cushioning the impact of high transportation costs on Nigerians, especially during Christmas. A similar initiative was implemented last year during the Yuletide and Sallah periods.
In another development, the FEC has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to Yakubu Gowon University in honor of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. The renaming is subject to legislative approval by the National Assembly.
“The Federal Executive Council has decided to rename the University of Abuja in recognition of the contributions of General Yakubu Gowon as an elder statesman. The name change will be formalized once approved by the National Assembly,” Idris stated.
During the briefing, Idris also disclosed that the 2025 budget is set to be presented to the National Assembly soon. Additionally, he announced that the FEC would go on recess from December 18, 2024, to January 6, 2025, during which no council meetings will hold.
Council members commended President Tinubu for his leadership over the past year and reaffirmed their commitment to his administration’s policies and programs.
