Some Abuja passengers travelling to other parts of the country have lamented the rising cost of transport fares during the festive season.

They expressed their feelings in separate interviews with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

According to them, many transportation fares from Abuja have doubled or even tripled compared to motor charges a few weeks ago.

A legal practitioner, Chinatu Ikechukwu, said at the Area 1 Park in Abuja that a trip from Abuja to Lagos now costs between N35,000 and N45,000, while Abuja to Owerri ranges from N60,000 to N75,000.

“The fare hike is too much this season. Motor driver should be warned. This happens all the time.

“I paid N35,000 in November 2025 when I came from Owerri to Abuja, but I have just paid N75,000 to return now. This is too much; how could common man afford this?” he said

Meanwhile, an architect, Ayo Badejo, called for restraint on exorbitant price hikes by commuters during the festival by citing the economic strain.

She begged the drivers during an interview at the Gwagwalada (WAZOBIA) Park.

According to her, transport fare hikes have become the norm among transport drivers all over the country during festive seasons.

She added that the drivers ought not to think of making all gains at one time.

Besides, businessmen, Adamu Hassan and Adamu Usaini, who spoke at Utako Park, lamented the increase in the transportation charges.

They said they paid N19,000 each as motor fares from Maiduri in November 2025, but now it’s 48,000 as charges to return.

“What we discover is that transport fares from Abuja to northern regions vary depending on the destination and transport company.

“Abuja to Kano: around N20,000 to N28,000; Abuja to Jalingo: around N20,000 to N28,000; Abuja to Bauchi: N12,500 to N20,000 and Abuja to Maiduguri: N20,000 to N48,000,” they said.

Some transport operators said the hike was caused by increased operational costs, fuel prices, and high demand.

The chairman of Inter-State Long Journey, Garki, Abuja, Abba Abubakar, however, said the changes in transport fares from Abuja to other destinations were not because of the fuel price hike.

According to him, the increase in fares is due to the shortage of vehicles from Abuja to other destinations.

“So, we have to drive back to Abuja empty because people are only going home, not coming to Abuja.

“That was what brought about the increase in transport fares from Abuja to other destinations across the country,” he said.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned against unjustified fare hikes, emphasising transparency and fair communication.
(NAN)