By Daniel Edu
In a bid to ease the financial burden on Nigerians during the Yuletide season, President Bola Tinubu has directed a 50% reduction in land transportation fares from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Additionally, zero fares for train transportation have been approved nationwide within the same period.
The announcement was made by Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Presidential Intervention. The directive covers designated routes for luxury buses that operate inter-state transportation.
President Tinubu’s decision is aimed at facilitating the movement of Nigerians who wish to travel during the festive season to visit family and friends without the added burden of high transport costs. The initiative seeks to provide relief to citizens amid recent increases in inter-state and air travel fares.
*Reactions and Criticisms*
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) dismissed the announcement, deeming it unworkable. The NLC argued that the President cannot decree low fares by fiat, highlighting the impact of rising operational costs, including fuel prices, on transport operators.
Luxury bus operators in Abuja expressed shock and feigned ignorance about the development. Some operators questioned the feasibility of the directive, stating that they were not consulted, and they anticipate an increase in fares soon.
*Transport Operators’ Perspectives*
Transport operators, including luxury bus companies such as Young Shall Grow Motors, Ekeson Transport, and God is Good Motors, expressed skepticism about the government’s move. They questioned the lack of consultation with private sector operators and emphasized the challenges faced by the transport industry, including increased operational costs.
The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) lauded the government’s initiative and pledged full cooperation. NARTO’s Executive Secretary, Aloga Ogbogo, commended the policy as a step in the right direction but emphasized the need for effective implementation.
The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) affirmed their commitment to complying with the directive. The NRC announced that preparations were underway to implement the fare reduction, encouraging travelers to obtain tickets online to prevent crowding at stations.
*Fare Hike and Challenges*
Despite the government’s intervention, there are reports of a 50% increase in inter-state transportation fares ahead of Christmas. Transporters attribute the hike to the one-sided movement of passengers from major cities to villages during the festive season.
Critics argue that the fare reduction directive may face challenges in implementation, including issues related to online ticketing, transparency, and potential fraudulent activities.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the economic impact of fuel price increases and rising operational costs on the transport sector and the general populace.