The lamentations of Nigerians over the high cost of transportation as they travel home for the yuletide has continued despite an intervention by President Bola Tinubu to reduce cost for travellers.
On Wednesday, Tinubu announced that the government will pay half of transportation fares of interstate travellers by bus, while train rides will be free. His media aide would later clarify that the offer applies only to specific transport companies and routes.
African Health Report (AHR) paid a visit to the popular Zuba Park in Abuja on Thursday, where some passengers disclosed that they were still breaking under the high cost burden of transportation fares to their various destinations.
One of the passengers, Mrs Jane Onuh, said, “Before the subsidy removal, I used to pay 3,500 to my village known as Ette in Kogi State. As at today, December 21, 2023, I paid N15,000. I don’t know if it is because of Christmas celebrations.”
Another passenger, Mr Joseph Abu, added, “I won’t lie, this transportation thing is not funny at all ooo. I was supposed to travel with my wife and children to go see my mother in the village, but because of the increase on transportation, I have asked my wife and three children to stay back because I don’t have N15,000 to pay for each of them.”
Miss Felicia, another traveller who spoke with AHR, stated, “I am travelling because of my traditional wedding. If I should say the truth, I almost changed my mind by moving the date till January 2024, because seriously, the transportation is too much. But then, I thought about the people that I have already invited. Just my load (luggage) alone is N40,000 and I am still going to pay N15,000 each for myself and my four sisters. It is well with Nigeria,” she said.
