The Enugu State Government has announced the launch of a Free Christmas Transport Intervention Scheme aimed at assisting indigenes of the state who wish to return home for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The initiative is targeted at Enugu natives residing outside the state and is intended to make it easier for them to travel home during the yuletide season.
According to a statement issued by the state Ministry of Transportation, the programme forms part of the government’s seasonal social support initiatives. It is designed to cushion the impact of escalating transport fares while encouraging family reunions and strengthening cultural ties during the festive period.
The statement explained that the scheme will offer free transportation to properly registered Enugu indigenes departing from major cities nationwide. The exercise is expected to cover about 30 states, with departure points including Abuja, Lagos, Jos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Minna, Gombe, Ilorin, Sokoto, Jalingo, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Port Harcourt, among others.
It further disclosed that beneficiaries are expected to arrive in Enugu between December 22 and December 24, where they will be formally welcomed at Holy Ghost Terminal 2 by officials of the Enugu State Government.
Participation in the programme, the statement noted, is restricted to genuine Enugu indigenes who are duly registered with their respective Enugu State town unions in their places of residence. This condition, it said, is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and smooth coordination of the initiative.
The government described the Free Christmas Transport Intervention Scheme as a reflection of its commitment to the welfare, safety and overall well-being of Enugu citizens, both at home and in the diaspora.
It added that the programme underscores Governor Peter Mbah’s people-centred approach to governance and his resolve to implement inclusive policies that address citizens’ needs, especially during festive periods.
The statement also called on all beneficiaries to cooperate fully with designated officials to guarantee the smooth and successful implementation of the scheme.