Christmas is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, marked by family reunions and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Many people travel to their hometowns to share the festive season with loved ones. However, this year’s celebration was overshadowed by economic challenges, leaving many citizens grappling with hardship amidst the festivities.
To alleviate the burden, the federal government announced a nationwide free train service from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, as part of its efforts to ease travel for citizens during the Christmas season. This initiative, provided through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), was presented as a gesture of goodwill aimed at offering citizens budget-friendly travel options during the holidays.
In theory, the announcement seemed like a commendable effort to cushion the effects of economic hardship on travellers. However, in practice, it painted a different picture of inefficiency, exploitation, and chaos, revealing the hidden costs that often accompany “free” services.
While the federal government offered the free train tickets to ease travel costs, the execution of the programme exposed significant flaws. Reports from passengers indicated allegations of widespread extortion by NRC staff and attendants, who took advantage of the situation to demand payments ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 for the so-called “free” tickets.
One traveller shared a story of purchasing a ticket for ₦10,000 before boarding a train from Abuja to Kaduna, despite the service being advertised as free. The irony of paying for “free” tickets highlighted the systemic corruption and exploitation faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Even after purchasing these tickets, passengers faced additional challenges. Overcrowding at train stations led to fears of stampedes, making the process of boarding not only chaotic but also dangerous. Many lost valuables, including phones and personal items, in the frantic rush to secure a seat on the train.
For those who opted to travel by road, the challenges were no less daunting. Transport companies seized the opportunity to hike fares, leaving travellers with exorbitant costs. For example, the cost of travelling from Abuja to Gombe surged from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 during the holiday season.
Even with the increased fares, securing a vehicle was a struggle. Travellers reportedly arrived at motor parks as early as 3 or 4 a.m., only to find no vehicles available to convey them to their destinations. The situation added to the frustration and hardship faced by Nigerians during what should have been a season of celebration.
Beyond the transportation challenges, the dangers of poorly organised free initiatives have become a recurring problem in Nigeria. On February 23, 2024 the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) suspended its food distribution programme following a tragic stampede that claimed seven lives at its zonal headquarters in Yaba, Lagos state. The initiative, which involved distributing 25kg bags of rice, was marred by poor crowd control, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives.
Similarly, on March 22, 2024 another tragic incident occurred at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where three people lost their lives during a free rice distribution event. More recently, stampedes during free rice-sharing initiatives in Abuja, Ibadan, and Orkija further underscored the urgent need for better planning and crowd management.
These incidents highlight the growing desperation among Nigerians, as economic hardship continues to bite harder. They also serve as a wake-up call to the government, emphasising the need for more sustainable solutions to address the root causes of poverty and hunger.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration must take proactive steps to address the suffering of the people. While free initiatives may appear generous, they often fail to provide meaningful relief due to poor planning and execution.
Crow Management Training: Those tasked with distributing free goods or managing transportation must receive adequate training in crowd management. This can help prevent stampedes and ensure the safety of participants.
The recent incidents of hardship and chaos during the festive season underscore the urgent need for the government to rethink its approach to addressing the challenges faced by citizens. While free services and initiatives may be well-intentioned, they must be executed with care and foresight to avoid creating additional burdens for the very people they are meant to assist.
As the nation continues to navigate economic difficulties, the government and individuals must prioritise compassion, efficiency, and sustainability in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people. Only then can such initiatives truly serve their intended purpose and bring relief to those in need.
