Fuel Subsidy: Lagos, Transporters Agree Slash In Fares

The Lagos State Government and transporters in the state have reached a compromise by slashing transport fares in the state.

They have also set up an enforcement team to monitor compliance by motorists across the Lagos metropolis.

A communiqué issued at the end of their meeting was signed by leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, Ise-Oluwa Transport, Bonny Camp Shuttle Service, Ojo Cantonment Shuttle Service, Cross Country Bus Service, TW Bus Service, T & M Bus Service; Director, Transport Operations, Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa.

Reading the communiqué at a joint news conference on Thursday in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, the Acting Chairman, NURTW, Akin James said the transporters had decided to review the current commuter bus fare in such a way that the 49 percent increase in petroleum price would not amount to more than 20 percent increase in bus fares paid by Lagos commuters.

“As a result of increase in fuel pump price of premium motor spirit by PPPRA, from N65 to N141 and later adjusted to N97, resulting in hike in bus fares across the country, the Ministry of Transportation met with the organised and informal commuter bus operators in the state and its consequences on the commuters and the state business environment.

“After series of deliberations, the organised commuter bus operators resolved with the state government that the interest of the people of Lagos and as a gesture towards the various transformation, especially in the transportation sector of the state with particular relevance to construction and rehabilitation of roads, the bus fare will be reduced,” he said.

“We also affirm our readiness and assurance of our resolve to ensure that our members abide by these new fares. We have also decided on immediate implementation of this new transport fares as agreed by the Ministry and transport stakeholders,” he added.

In the new transport regime, places where motorists used to charge N90 had been cut down to N60, while places where bus operators used to charge N150 has been slashed to N120, just as the places where bus drivers used to charge N180 has been slashed N130, among others.

—Kazeem Ugbodaga