The escalating cost of transportation fares in Nigeria continues to burden commuters despite a decrease in fuel prices and the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel. Passengers across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states express frustration over exorbitant fares imposed by transport unions, which have seen increases of nearly 400% since President Tinubu took office. This surge persists even though fuel prices have fallen from their peak of N1200 per litre. The exorbitant fares are largely attributed to levies imposed on commercial drivers by transport unions at motor parks. These levies, which include booking fees, loading fees, and ticket fees, are paid daily, adding significant financial strain on drivers and ultimately leading to higher fares for passengers.
The impact of these rising transportation costs is reflected in data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The average intercity bus fare in April 2024 reached N7,122.57, a stark increase from N3,994.51 in April 2023. While a slight monthly decrease of 0.43% was observed from March to April 2024, the overall trend remains upward. This escalating cost of transportation has far-reaching consequences, impacting businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.
Passengers and drivers alike point to the detrimental effects of these inflated fares and the exploitative practices of transport unions. Ayinla Idris, a businessman traveling from Ondo State, laments the crippling impact of high transport costs on his business. He underscores the vital role of land transportation in the Nigerian economy, particularly for SMEs, and expresses concern that this critical sector is controlled by individuals perceived as uneducated and exploitative. Idris highlights the irony of the government’s efforts to alleviate transportation costs being undermined by the actions of these transport unions. He recounts a personal experience of being harassed for questioning the unions’ dealings with a driver, emphasizing their unchecked power and influence.
Furthermore, passengers like Iyinola Aderibigbe criticize the government’s inaction in addressing the exploitative practices of transport unions, accusing both state and federal authorities of turning a blind eye to the plight of commuters. Aderibigbe denounces the unions’ disregard for passenger safety, citing instances of overloading vehicles to maximize profits, increasing the risk of accidents. The impunity with which unions operate, harassing drivers and silencing dissenting voices, further exacerbates the problem. This lack of regulation and oversight allows the unions to operate with unchecked power, creating a system where both drivers and passengers are exploited.
From the drivers’ perspective, the current system is designed to impoverish them. Adediwura Kazeem, a commercial driver, reveals the financial pressures faced by drivers, who must contend with fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and the exorbitant levies imposed by transport unions. This leaves drivers trapped in a cycle of debt, often forcing them to relinquish their vehicles due to mounting repair costs and then resort to taking new vehicles on higher purchase from the same union executives who have profited from their struggles. This vicious cycle perpetuates their financial dependence on the unions, effectively trapping them in a system of modern-day indentured servitude.
The situation demands urgent government intervention. Passengers and drivers alike call for regulation of the transport industry to protect them from exploitative practices. The arbitrary levies imposed by transport unions, coupled with their unchecked power and influence, necessitate immediate action to create a fair and sustainable transport system. Addressing this issue is not just about easing the financial burden on commuters and drivers; it is about ensuring the viability of businesses, promoting economic growth, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. The unchecked power of transport unions, coupled with their exploitative practices, necessitates immediate government intervention to protect both drivers and passengers and ensure a fair and sustainable transport system for all. A comprehensive regulatory framework is crucial to address the root causes of these problems and promote a more equitable and efficient transportation sector.
