As the Christmas holiday season begins, many Nigerians are finding themselves caught in a dilemma over increasing transportation costs and limited travel options.
Despite the ongoing economic hardships, the holiday rush has seen a surge in travellers, both by air and road, eager to reunite with their families.
However, the festive journey is not without its challenges, as exorbitant fares and fears of insecurity make the trip an uncomfortable and costly experience.
Air travel, typically the preferred choice for long-distance travel, has seen a significant increase in demand. Domestic flights for the season are fully booked, with passengers scrambling to secure available seats.
However, the high airfares have left many with no choice but to seek alternative travel options.
A visit to the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos revealed a high level of patronage, with one-way economy tickets from Abuja to Anambra ranging from N200,100 to N285,800, and flights from Lagos to Enugu and Owerri completely sold out for several days.
On the other hand, those who could not afford the sky-high airfares have turned to road transport, but at a significant cost.
Bus stations in Lagos, such as Yaba, Orile, Oshodi, and Maza-Maza, are seeing prices for inter-state travel skyrocket. Luxury buses that were once charged N23,000 just a week ago are now demanding between N33,000 and N40,000 per passenger.
Mini-bus operators have also increased their fares, with routes to the eastern part of the country now costing between N52,000 and N55,000—almost double the price from the previous month.
Transport companies, including Chisco, Okeyson, and The Young Shall Grow, have all raised their prices, citing the rising cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the challenge of filling buses during the return leg of the journey.
Despite the high costs, many Nigerians see the holiday season as an opportunity to reconnect with family, with some willing to endure the discomfort for the sake of tradition.
A woman travelling with her three children to the eastern part of the country shared that the trip was a “sacrifice” so her children could experience their roots.
“This is the first time they’ll be visiting our home state, and we’ve been planning this holiday for years,” she told Vanguard.
