Nigerians are expressing frustration over high transport fares, even after recent reductions in petrol prices. Many commuters say transporters have refused to lower fares and, in some cases, have increased them despite the price cuts.
On December 19, 2024, the Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-depot petrol price from N970 to N899.50 per litre, triggering a price war in the downstream oil sector. This led the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to also lower its ex-depot price to N899 per litre. Dangote Refinery further collaborated with MRS Petrol Station to sell petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets nationwide, a move welcomed by many Nigerians.
However, the anticipated relief in transport costs has not materialized. Social media users have voiced their dissatisfaction, accusing transporters of greed.
“When petrol was N1,200 per litre, transporters increased fares. Now that petrol is cheaper, they refuse to bring down the fares. Sometimes, it’s not about the government; we are also greedy as human beings,” wrote one user, identified as #AsiwajuOladimeji, on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user, #Arakunrin, shared his frustration, saying, “The fare from Oshodi to Iyana-Ipaja went up from N500 to N700 when petrol prices rose. Now that petrol has dropped, the fare is N1,000. This has left me wondering all day.”
Some believe the slight reduction in petrol prices is insufficient to prompt fare decreases. “The fare drivers were collecting when petrol was N1,200 wasn’t even enough. For a significant reduction in transport fares, there needs to be a drastic drop in fuel prices, back to what it used to be,” argued user #Undisputed.
Others pointed out discrepancies between the increase in petrol prices and transport fares. “The fuel price increase was over 500%, but transport fares only rose by 100 to 200%. The current fares don’t reflect the reduced petrol prices,” noted #Wemmy.
Another user, #Agha Nigerian, described the situation as “pathetic,” adding, “Imagine the fare from Berger to Mowe is now N1,000 because of a programme at the Redeemed Camp.”
In addition to complaints about transporters, some users highlighted the role of union charges. “The amount members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers charge drivers is too much,” said Linus Lincoln.
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Dele Oye, President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), linked the issue to Nigeria’s reliance on imports and the unstable exchange rate.
“The main thing affecting prices, including transport costs, is the dollar. We are a demand economy, relying on imports for most goods and services. Ninety-nine percent of vehicles on our roads are imported,” Oye explained.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to become a supply-driven economy by boosting local production. “Our production capacity is not even 30% of what we need. To grow our economy, we must provide single-digit interest rates for private-sector funding. This will enhance production and promote import substitution,” Oye suggested.
Nigerians are calling for measures to ensure transport fares reflect fuel price reductions. While commuters bear the brunt of high fares, experts argue that addressing the broader economic challenges—such as high import dependency and limited local production—could provide long-term solutions.
For now, many Nigerians continue to grapple with the disconnect between fuel prices and transport costs, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to address the underlying issues.