AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Many Nigerians returning to their destinations after the Christmas and New Year celebrations were stranded on Sunday due to a shortage of commercial vehicles and a spike in transport fares.
Despite a recent reduction in petrol prices, several travellers lamented the refusal of transport operators to lower fares, describing the situation as unfair.
Recall that on December 19, 2024, Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-depot petrol price from N970 to N899.50 per litre, prompting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to slash its own ex-depot price to N899 per litre. However, this reduction has not translated to lower transport fares, as commercial drivers took advantage of the festive rush.
A student of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, identified as Nifesimi, shared his experience, saying he paid N9,000 for a trip from Ibadan to Ilorin, a route that previously cost N6,000. Similarly, a lecturer, Mr. Olatidoye, disclosed that his daughter paid N6,000 for a journey from Ibadan to Osogbo in Osun State, up from the usual N4,000 fare.
In Lagos, many residents were left stranded at bus stops, with fears that the transport situation would worsen on Monday morning as people head to work.
Speaking on the situation, Olatidoye urged transporters to show compassion, considering the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians. “The majority of citizens are struggling to make ends meet. We shouldn’t add to their burden by hiking transport fares because of the holiday rush,” he said.
He also called on state governments to step in by providing more commercial vehicles to ease the pressure on travellers and reduce transport costs.
