Despite the recent reduction in petrol prices by Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), road transport operators across Nigeria have ruled out lowering transport fares.
Leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) cited the high cost of vehicle maintenance and spare parts as key reasons fares remain unchanged. While Dangote and NNPCL have reduced pump prices to N825 and N860 per litre respectively, transporters argue that these cuts are insignificant given the soaring costs of tyres, engines, and repairs.
In Kano, NURTW’s organising secretary, Yushu’a Haruna, stated that transport fares would not decrease unless there was a more substantial fuel price drop. Ado Inuwa Yakasai of NARTO added that long queues at stations selling cheaper fuel force drivers to purchase at higher prices elsewhere.
A similar situation persists in Lagos, Kaduna, and Kogi states, where transport operators maintain fares, citing inconsistent fuel prices and persistently high maintenance costs. Many passengers expressed frustration, noting that fare hikes follow fuel price increases, but reductions rarely lead to lower transport costs.
However, Anambra State presents an exception, with transport companies such as Chisco Transport and God Is Good Motors slashing fares. Intra-state transport costs have also dropped, reflecting lower petrol prices in the region.
While passengers continue to appeal for nationwide fare reductions, transport operators insist that significant relief can only come from broader reductions in both fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
