Passengers travelling on the Lagos–Port Harcourt–Aba route have lamented a sharp increase in transportation fares, which has therefore risen from between ₦30,000 and ₦35,000 to as high as ₦70,000–₦75,000 per seat, describing the development as a 100 per cent hike.
Some of the passengers, who spoke with our correspondent at major motor parks in Port Harcourt and Lagos, said the increase is excessive and unaffordable, especially for those hoping to travel to the Eastern part of the country to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities with their families.
A passenger, Kelechi Alozie, expressed frustration over the situation, saying she was unable to continue her journey due to the sudden hike in fares.
“Transport that used to cost between ₦30,000 and ₦35,000 is now ₦70,000 or even ₦75,000. I paid ₦72,000 this month. This is too much,” she said.
She questioned why transport fares are usually increased during the Christmas and end-of-year period, when many Igbo people living in cities travel home to celebrate with their families.
Other passengers also accused transport operators of exploiting travellers during festive seasons, despite prevailing economic hardship in the country. They noted that the increase is not limited to transport fares alone, as passengers are also charged extra fees for luggage, including food items and travel bags.
According to them, the situation has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to travel home, adding that fuel prices have relatively stabilised, making the sharp increase in fares unjustifiable.
The passengers called on the Federal Government and the Minister of Transportation to urgently intervene, warning that the situation is getting out of hand. They also urged the government to accelerate the construction of a rail line linking Lagos to the Eastern part of the country to ease the burden on road travellers.
They argued that a functional rail system would help curb arbitrary fare hikes by road transporters, especially during festive periods, and provide affordable alternatives for citizens amid the current economic challenges.
