Commuters traveling across Nigeria’s South East and South-South regions have expressed frustration over sudden increases in transport fares, blaming transport operators for exploiting the Christmas season.
In major cities and inter-state routes across the two regions, passengers reported sharp fare hikes just days before Christmas, with some routes experiencing increases of up to 50 percent. Many commuters said the hikes were imposed without prior notice, worsening the financial strain on families already grappling with high food prices and other festive expenses.
At major motor parks in cities such as Aba, Onitsha, Owerri, Uyo, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Asaba, travelers complained that transport unions and drivers took advantage of the surge in holiday travel demand to raise fares arbitrarily. Some commuters said they were forced to either pay the new rates or postpone their trips altogether.
“I planned to travel home for Christmas, but the fare doubled overnight,” said a commuter traveling from Port Harcourt to Owerri. “There was no explanation. We were just told, ‘That’s the Christmas price.’”
Transport operators, however, defended the increases, citing rising fuel costs, poor road conditions, multiple levies at checkpoints, and increased demand during the festive season. Some drivers also pointed to traffic congestion and longer travel times as reasons for adjusting fares.
Despite these explanations, commuters insisted that the hikes were excessive and poorly regulated. Civil society groups in the regions called on state governments and transport unions to intervene, urging authorities to enforce fair pricing and protect citizens from seasonal exploitation.
As Christmas celebrations peak, many travelers are hoping for a downward review of fares, while others are opting for alternative travel plans or staying back due to the high cost of transportation.
