Transport companies review prices as Nigerians prepare for Christmas travels

The twin factors of high cost of fuel, and the seasonal rush for Christmas travels, are already causing spikes in transport prices to many parts of Nigeria.

But many Nigerians who spoke with PoliticNow said travel this Christmas may be low because of rising inflation which is impacting households and reducing their disposable income.

Before the subsidy on fuel was removed on May 29, 2023, the average transportation fare to Onitsha was about N10,000. After the removal of Subsidy, the initial reaction of most transportation companies was to double the price. They started charging N20, 000 to the seven hours journey to Onitsha from Lagos. Nigerians immediately cut down their travels, leaving the transportation companies with severe low patronage. As a result, they were forced to adjust their prices to remain in business. It came to down to about N13, 000 on average.

But now that Christmas is days away, prices have started rising again in response to increased passenger traffic at many motor parks, especially those going to the South East.

One traveler, Anayo Ezugwu, told PoliticsNow on the phone that he wouldn’t have travelled to Enugu from his base in Lagos because of the tough economic situation, but for an event already fixed in December which he must attend. He said even though the event was still two weeks away, he decided to leave early to avoid paying more than he can afford as Christmas draws near.

PoliticsNow has decided to publish transport prices to some parts of Nigeria from Lagos as of November 28.

Good Is God Transport (Jibowu) mainly Toyota Hiace vehicles and Jet Movers

*Lagos-Owerri (N27,800)

*Lagos-Akwa ibom (N29,300)

*Lagos-Portharcourt (N30,500)

*Lagos-Abuja (35,000)