President Bola Tinubu has approved free nationwide transportation ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the President at the Presidential Villa.

Idris revealed that the Federal Government will provide free train services across the country from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, to ease travel for Nigerians during the festive season.

In another major decision, the Federal Government renamed the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University in honor of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd).

On the 2025 budget, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated that the cabinet extensively deliberated on the Appropriation Bill. Edun expressed optimism that the 2025 budget would stimulate private sector participation and foster economic growth.

Idris further noted that Monday’s FEC meeting was the last for the year, as the council will go on recess from December 18, 2024, and resume on January 6, 2025.

The decisions come as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance public welfare and honor national leaders while preparing for the upcoming fiscal year.