For the second consecutive year, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has deployed a multi-million naira free transportation initiative to alleviate the burden of commuting costs for workers in Lagos and Ogun States.
N40 Million Initiative Provides Critical Relief
The church allocated approximately N40 million to fund the 12-day programme, which ran from 24 November to 5 December 2025. This substantial investment underscores the church's commitment to social welfare amidst Nigeria's economic challenges.
Coordinated by RCCG's Youth Province 1 in collaboration with Youth Provinces 2, 7, 14, 18, and 20, the scheme operated about 10 distinctive long yellow buses. These vehicles transported hundreds of passengers daily across major routes, offering a vital service completely free of charge.
Key Routes and Daily Operations
The free bus-to-work programme covered several critical morning corridors connecting residential areas to major business districts. Key departure points and destinations included:
- RCCG Jesus’s Palace in Festac to CMS on Lagos Island.
- Oworonshoki to CMS.
- Multiple routes originating from the Redemption City in Mowe to destinations like 7UP, Sagamu, Trinity Towers on Victoria Island, and Agege.
- Ikorodu to Maryland.
Commuters also benefited from free return trips in the evenings, ensuring a complete round-trip solution. The buses were strategically scheduled, with the Mowe-Berger routes starting as early as 5:30 am and the Festac routes beginning at 6:00 am to cater to the early schedules of Lagos's workforce.
A Response to Soaring Living Costs
Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, the Pastor-in-Charge of Youth Province 1, explained the motivation behind the initiative. He stated that the church viewed the intervention as necessary due to the continued rise in transportation expenses. "This initiative is our way of lending a hand to people," Pastor Adeboye said. "We did it last year and witnessed the massive relief it provided, so we decided to do it again this year."
He emphasised the inclusive nature of the service, noting that the buses were open to all commuters, regardless of tribe or religion. He also observed that the rides often became spaces for shared prayers and reflections among passengers before or after work.
Pastor Adeboye was supported in the project by Pastor Martins Olusakin, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of the Province for Corporate Social Responsibility, and Pastor Abiodun Famojuro, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Administration.
Building on Previous Success
The church first launched the free bus-to-work programme in 2024, running it from October to December during a peak period of escalating living costs. The positive reception and evident need prompted its relaunch this year.
In the 2024 edition, eight buses operated from Car Park C near Redemption City, serving the Mowe, Ibafo, and Berger axis to CMS and other business districts. Two additional buses departed from Festac's Apple Junction, near RCCG Joseph’s Palace, for commuters heading to Victoria Island, Lekki, and surrounding areas.
The programme has generated significant positive feedback on social media, with many beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the temporary financial relief during a period of rising daily costs. The initiative is specifically designed to assist the working class, who routinely grapple with the demanding and expensive transport network in Lagos and Ogun States.
The RCCG's free bus scheme concludes as the church prepares for its annual Holy Ghost Congress, scheduled for the second week of December.
