Nigerians continue to decry persistent increases in transportation fares, despite recent cuts in fuel pump prices and the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Thirty-one passengers interviewed across major parks in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states expressed frustration over the unrelenting fare hikes, blaming transport unions for keeping prices high. They said fares have remained unaffordable since PMS spiked to as much as ₦1,200 per litre, leading to a nearly 400% hike in transport fares since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.
Investigations revealed that commercial drivers are burdened with three compulsory daily levies at motor parks—booking, loading, and ticket fees—which are dictated by transport unions and park management in collaboration with some state authorities. Drivers say these charges significantly impact fare prices, with costs passed on to commuters.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ Transport Fare Watch for April 2024, the average fare for intercity bus travel rose to ₦7,122.57, up from ₦3,994.51 in April 2023—a 78% year-on-year increase. Though there was a slight month-on-month dip of 0.43%, the burden on commuters remains heavy.
A passenger, Ayinla Idris, travelling from Iwo Road to Ondo, said rising transport costs have severely impacted his business. He lamented that the transport sector, which plays a critical role in small and medium-scale business operations, is dominated by unregulated unions and individuals he described as “touts.”
Idris argued that President Tinubu's reforms would have yielded better results if not undermined by transport unions. He recounted being harassed by union members for questioning their dealings with a commercial driver and urged federal and state governments to take control of park operations and union activities.
“Transportation costs are killing SMEs,” he said. “Products I sell in Ondo are more expensive due to the inflated fares. Drivers are extorted daily at garages, and that cost is transferred to passengers. These unions report to no one except their collaborators in government.”
Another commuter, Iyinola Aderibigbe, voiced disappointment in the silence of authorities, accusing both state and federal governments of allowing “area boys” to exploit the transport system unchecked. She raised safety concerns, citing frequent overloading and unsafe travel conditions due to profit-driven union practices.
“Unions collect money forcefully, overload vehicles, and harass anyone who speaks up. It's a daily nightmare,” she said.
Commercial driver Adediwura Kazeem echoed these complaints, describing the current structure of the transport sector as a system that impoverishes drivers. He appealed for urgent government intervention and proper regulation to protect drivers and commuters alike.
“Drivers are suffering. After paying mechanics, fuel stations, and union dues, there's nothing left. Vehicles break down and sit idle in workshops, while we’re forced to lease another on high-interest terms from the same unions that took our money. When do we break free from this cycle?” he asked.
Kazeem concluded by calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the transport union system, saying it has become a parasite on both drivers and passengers.
