The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Youth Province 1, in partnership with several other youth provinces across Lagos, has spent an estimated N40 million on its annual free-bus-to-work initiative, aimed at easing transportation burdens for residents.

The church disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the 2025 edition of the programme ran from November 24 to December 5, providing both morning and evening bus services across major routes in Lagos and Ogun States.

Wide Network of Routes Across Lagos

According to the organisers, morning routes included:

• RCCG Jesus Palace (Festac) to CMS
• Oworonshoki to CMS
• Redemption City to 7UP
• Redemption City to Sagamu
• Redemption City to Trinity Towers (Victoria Island)
• Redemption City to Agege
• Ikorodu to Maryland

Free return trips were also provided in the evenings.

With about 10 long yellow buses deployed daily, the initiative is estimated to have conveyed hundreds of commuters every day throughout the two-week period.

A Response to Nigeria’s Rising Living Costs

The church said the programme was created to cushion the effects of inflation and the rising cost of transportation.

“Rising living costs without a commensurate increase in income have become the daily reality for many Nigerians,” the statement said. “Transportation remains one of the most significant burdens, and this is what we are addressing by providing free rides to and from work.”

An Initiative for All Residents

Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, Pastor-in-Charge of Youth Province 1, said the free transportation was open to all residents, regardless of tribe or religion.

“This initiative is our way of lending a hand. We saw the impact last year and decided to bring it back, this time in collaboration with Youth Provinces 2, 7, 14, 18, and 20,” he said.

Adeboye added that the bus rides often included brief moments of prayer and sharing God’s word, providing commuters with both physical and spiritual relief.

N40m Spent on Transportation Support

The church confirmed that approximately N40 million was spent on the 2025 edition of the programme, covering fuel, logistics, and bus operations.

Pastor Martins Olusakin, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Province (CSR), noted that many beneficiaries had taken to social media to express their gratitude. “The smiles and sighs of relief from commuters show how much this support means,” he said.

Preparations for Holy Ghost Congress Underway

The church leadership also revealed that Youth Province 1, led by Pastor Adeboye and supported by senior provincial pastors, is currently preparing for the RCCG Holy Ghost Congress, scheduled for the second week of December.

The initiative builds on previous efforts, including a similar free bus service launched in September 2024 as part of the church’s commitment to community support amid economic hardship.