Outrage as transporters increase bus fares amid festive season – see new prices

As Christmas approaches, Nigerians planning to travel for the holidays face an uphill battle due to skyrocketing transport costs. Many have cancelled plans to visit their families, citing unaffordable bus fares, and are calling on the Federal Government to intervene. At Lagos’ major terminals, including Oshodi, Jibowu, and Maza Maza, passengers voiced their frustrations. Fares to the East have surged, with luxury buses charging up to ₦40,000 and minibuses demanding as much as ₦65,000. For families, the costs are prohibitive. “I was hoping the government would reintroduce the 50% fare discount we enjoyed last year,” lamented Chinedu Uzoechina, a father of five. “For my family of seven, it will cost ₦280,000 one way and ₦560,000 round trip. How can I afford that? We’ve had to cancel our plans.” While rail travellers benefit from free train rides this season, bus passengers feel neglected. Many gathered at terminals, hoping for similar subsidies, but left disappointed. Damian Ezuma, manager of Izu Chukwu Transport, attributed the fare hikes to operational challenges. “The cost of maintaining buses is overwhelming,” he explained. “Diesel is now ₦2,000 per litre in some areas. It’s not our fault.” Passengers urge Tinubu to extend free ride scheme to buses Passengers have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to extend the free ride scheme to long-distance buses or reinstate last year’s 50% fare reduction. “Christmas is about family,” one traveller remarked. “But if transport costs remain this high, many of us will be stuck in the cities, far from our loved ones.” The festive season, traditionally a time of joy and reunion, now highlights the economic struggles of many Nigerians. As families grapple with the reality of spending Christmas apart, the call for government intervention grows louder.