ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s leader slashed the fees during the holiday season for several public transport routes in half and offered free train rides starting Thursday, hoping to ease — at least temporarily — some of the economic hardship caused by his government’s austerity measures. Elected in May to lead Africa’s most populous country, President Bola Tinubu has introduced several economic changes, including removing decadeslong gas subsidies. The impact of the measures has worsened the cost of living for millions already struggling with record inflation. In big urban places such as the economic hub of Lagos, transport fares have more than tripled since the government removed gas subsidies. ___Associated Press writer Dan Ikpoyi in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed to this report.

Source: Ethiopian News December 21, 2023 15:15 UTC