Nigerians Undeterred by Transportation Hike, Plan to Visit Loved Ones Despite Petrol Price Spike
The festive season is a time for Nigerians to bond with friends and family, and many are willing to brave the challenges posed by the recent hike in transportation costs to make the trip.
With petrol prices reaching unprecedented highs, transporters have increased fares, leaving many with limited funds wondering how they will make it to their destinations. However, despite the economic difficulties, many Nigerians remain determined to visit their loved ones, even if it means paying a premium.
One transport company, Ekesons, has reported that fares for trips outside of Lagos State, particularly to eastern states, range from ₦40,000 to ₦35,000. Unaffiliated transporters, on the other hand, are charging between ₦30,000 to ₦25,000.
In an interview, Chidi Nwosu, the head of one transport company, expressed optimism that people will still travel during Christmas, despite the economic situation. “Yes, people are not much travelling now, but no matter what, people must go to visit their families during the celebration period,” he said.
However, with Christmas still five to six weeks away, it’s unclear whether transport companies will further increase fares. The holiday season is expected to bring an increase in demand, which could lead to even higher prices.
A recent online survey conducted by Naijawebinfo found that over 5,000 respondents were unwilling to shelve their Christmas home trips due to the hike in transportation costs. While some respondents expressed concerns about the high cost of transportation, others were determined to make the trip, even if it meant finding alternative means or cutting back on other expenses.
A woman from Benue State, Rose Ogbu, said, “No matter how costly the transport is, home is my home. Lagos is not my village. My mom is the village, I must go and see her, so transport cannot be a hindrance to that.” A man from Imo State, Sunday, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I cannot travel, transport is too costly, but if I see person that will give me money, why not I will travel.”
Despite the challenges posed by the economic situation, Nigerians have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. As one woman, Tolulope, said, “Even with the costly transportation, I will travel, I have not seen my mother this year, I have to. God will provide the money. Moreover, it depends on the reason why one is travelling, if it is something one can let go, then it’s fine. My mother lives alone, my dad passed on over a decade ago. It is right to visit her.”
Another woman, Ruth, added, “I want to travel early to avoid rush, and paying much money.” With Christmas just around the corner, it remains to be seen whether Nigerians will be able to overcome the hurdles posed by the transportation hike and make it to their destinations.
