|
Listen to article
|
In an effort to provide some relief to Nigerians grappling with high transport costs, the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has introduced a new pricing system for 12 states, in line with the 50 percent transport subsidy provided by the Federal Government.
RTEAN is one of five transport unions and companies collaborating with the government in the implementation of this palliative measure. With this fare adjustment, commuters in the affected states can expect to pay significantly reduced fares, offering a much-needed financial break in the face of economic challenges.
To mitigate the transportation difficulties many Nigerians face during the holiday season, several transport bodies, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria, Good is Good Motors, and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, have entered into an agreement with the Federal Government.
Together with RTEAN, these organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer discounted fares for travel between December 24, 2024, and January 5, 2025. This collaborative initiative seeks to reduce the financial strain on commuters during the peak travel period, making journeys more affordable and accessible.
Just three days after the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, initiated the transport palliative to ease the burden on Nigerians during the festive season, it seems that GIGM and RTEAN are the primary entities making real progress. While the government’s plan aims to provide financial relief to commuters, it appears that these two organizations are the ones actively carrying out the operations, ensuring that the intended benefits reach those in need.
To combat the soaring transportation costs during the Yuletide, the government has implemented a 50 percent fare reduction for travelers. This initiative, aimed at providing financial relief to the public, also includes the commencement of free rail transportation on December 20, 2024. By taking these steps, the government hopes to cushion the impact of increased travel expenses during the holiday season, ensuring that more Nigerians can afford to travel without undue financial strain.
A fare schedule, reviewed by our correspondent and confirmed by Yusuf Ibrahim, the National General Secretary of the RTEAN, details the latest transport costs. The list shows that a journey from Abuja to Asaba or Akwa will now require a fare of N17,500, while the cost to Abakaliki is set at N12,500, and traveling to Dutse will be priced at N7,500.
The list further showed that Lagos to Benin costs N7,500; Lagos to Onitsha, Katsina, or Lafia costs 15,000; Lagos to Bauchi or Jigawa costs N12,500. Lagos to Kebbi or Yola in Adamawa costs 20,000.
The RTEAN secretary said the areas listed were some of the routes the government had apportioned to the union. He said the union has been executing the transport palliative in accordance with the transport ministry’s dictates.
Read also: Christmas: Nigerians Lament As Transport Fare, Food Prices Soar
Ibrahim said, “If you visit any of the designated packs, you will find out that our buses are either present or have left for their state of destination.
“Just as seen on that list, those are parts of the routes given to us and there are many buses we have been ordered to load daily. In some states, we have nine buses, some 12 buses. Once we get to that quota, other persons will board the vehicles at normal prices.
“Left to us we would be interested to ply the entire country but we can only act in accordance to their dictates.”
Visit to the Oshodi perk in Lagos and Kuto garage in Ogun, showed that only the GIGM buses were seen loading in Lagos under the 50 per cent transport palliative scheme. All other buses were charging their usual 100 per cent fare prices.
When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer of GIGM, Enahoro Okhae, told our correspondent that the scheme was running as agreed with the government.
“We have started and you will find our buses at the Oshodi terminal and our passengers can also book their tickets online.”
All efforts to speak with other unions about their involvement in the exercise were fruitless despite repeated calls and text messages.
Presidents of the NURTW and ALBON, Musiliu Akinsanya, and Nonso Ubajaka, respectively ignored calls and text messages of enquiries.
