Six weeks after the Christmas and New Year festivities, the cost of interstate transportation in Nigeria has witnessed a significant decline of at least 40%.
This development comes as a result of decreased demand and a recent surge in the rate of kidnappings on Nigerian roads.
The steep rise in transport fares, which reached a record high in December 2023, had been attributed to various factors, including the removal of petrol subsidy earlier in the year. During this period, travellers were compelled to pay exorbitant prices, with bus tickets costing as much as N47,000 to N50,000 for an interstate trip.
Responding to the outcry over the inflated fares, President Bola Tinubu initiated a 50% rebate for road travellers in collaboration with some transport companies. However, despite this intervention, fares remained considerably high, although not as exorbitant as during the peak festive period.
Recent investigations reveal that fares on several interstate routes have now declined. For instance, business-class executive buses now charge between N25,000 to N30,000 for a ticket, while smart coaches, commonly known as mini luxurious buses, range from N19,000 to N21,000. Notably, tickets for specific routes like Lagos to Abuja, which previously cost as much as N49,000, have now dropped to N36,000 per seat.
While the reduction in fares is welcomed by many, the fear of kidnappings on Nigerian roads continues to deter travellers. Recent incidents, such as the attack on a GUO Transport bus en route to Abuja from Lagos, where the bus driver was killed, and passengers abducted, have instilled a sense of apprehension among road users.
As a result, individuals like Demilade Akinpelu, a business executive, find themselves unable to travel, opting to cancel their plans due to safety concerns. Eniola Abimbola shares a similar sentiment, highlighting the prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among road passengers.
Despite the decline in transport costs, many Nigerians, particularly those with essential travel needs, remain apprehensive about embarking on inter-state journeys. As the country grapples with the challenges of insecurity and fluctuating transport fares, the need for sustainable solutions to ensure safe and affordable transportation across Nigeria becomes increasingly imperative.
