Commuters travelling from Lagos to the Eastern parts of Nigeria during the Christmas season have expressed frustration over the high level of extortion and the hike in transportation costs.
Several factors, including roadblocks, security checkpoints, and non-state actors such as transport unions, have been cited as the primary drivers of the fare increases. These factors, combined with rising fuel costs, have led to transportation fees soaring by as much as 50%.
Travellers reported long delays caused by numerous checkpoints set up by security agencies and transport unions, which have been implemented in the name of safety due to heightened insecurity in the region.
However, the measures have significantly impacted the flow of traffic and, by extension, inflated travel expenses.
Chibuzor Nnorom, who journeyed from Lagos to Owerri, described the experience as gruelling, recounting that he counted 193 checkpoints along the route.
He said the delays were so severe that his trip, which began at 7 am, extended into the early hours of the following day.
He noted that the extortion at these checkpoints was a significant contributor to the rising costs, with fares for 18-seater buses climbing from N35,000 to between N40,000 and N45,500, and fares for Sienna vehicles rising from N40,000 to N67,000.
While road conditions have seen some improvements, security measures are still causing significant congestion, affecting both passenger and goods transport.
Nnorom called on the government to reduce the number of checkpoints in order to enhance mobility and support economic growth.
Mr. Chima Arinze, a Nigerian returning from Italy for the holidays, recounted his ten-hour journey from Abuja to Enugu, which should have taken six hours.
He said heencountered numerous roadblocks, manned by police, soldiers, and other enforcement agencies, who reportedly demanded money during searches.
Commercial drivers have also seen their operating costs rise due to payments made to security personnel. Iroha Chika, a driver on the Lagos-Port Harcourt route, revealed that he spends between N23,000 and N25,000 at checkpoints along the way.
Truck drivers, especially those transporting goods from Lagos to the Southeast, also face high fees, with Ahmed, a truck driver, stating that he pays as much as N10,000 at each agricultural inspection checkpoint.
However, many passengers have criticized the hikes, accusing transporters of exploiting the festive period for profit.