As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit is overshadowed by surging transportation costs across Nigeria, creating a bleak outlook for holiday travel.
Daily Independent reports that rising fuel prices, exacerbated by the removal of the petroleum subsidy, have triggered a chain reaction, significantly impacting commuting costs and raising concerns among intending travellers.
The removal of the subsidy, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, has led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, exceeding 250%, subsequently influencing the costs of essential goods and services, particularly transportation.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 98% increase in the average cost of bus transportation in Nigerian cities from May to June 2023, following the spike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
As a result, commuters are grappling with inflated bus fares, making holiday travel an economic challenge. The average fare for intra-city bus transportation rose by 97.88% within one month, according to the NBS, impacting the cost of living for many Nigerians.
With Christmas traditionally being a time for reunions, celebrations, and family gatherings, the prohibitive cost of transportation is forcing individuals to reconsider their travel plans.
Many intending travellers expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by elevated fares, potentially limiting their ability to visit family and participate in festive activities.
Mr Amos Mba, who intends to travel to Enugu with all members of his nuclear family from Lagos to the eastern part of the country to celebrate Christmas with them, said: “On transport alone, I need nothing less than N150, 000 to my village in Enugu and returning back to Lagos with them”.
While speaking on the development, Obinna Oyenwe, a resident of Mowe, Ogun State, said the increased transport fares to most cities in the eastern part of the country had compelled him to reconsider his earlier intention to travel.
He said: “I am yet to decide whether I will be travelling alone or with my wife and children. And it depends on how much money I would be able to make before Christmas.”
Checks revealed that the current price list of GUO Transport Limited from Ikotun in Lagos to Nnewi in Anambra for an adult passenger cost N21,375.
At the same time, that of a child is N16,875, from Jibowu to Aba for an adult passenger is N24,700, that of a child is N19,500, from Jibowu in Lagos to Umuahia, the capital of Abia for an adult (N27,000), Child (N20,250) and from Jibowu to Enugu for an adult is N34,500 and that of a child is N25,875.
