Writing By Khadijah Aliyu; Editing By Godwin Duru
A recent rise in petrol pump prices across parts of Nigeria has triggered a sharp increase in transportation fares, particularly in Kano State, where many residents are preparing to travel ahead of the Sallah celebrations.
Visits to several motor parks across Kano metropolis show that transport operators have adjusted fares upward in response to the higher cost of fuel, leaving many passengers struggling to afford journeys to their destinations.
At major parks serving interstate routes, passengers and drivers alike expressed concern over the sudden spike in fares, which they say has disrupted travel plans just days before the festive period when movement is usually at its peak.
A student travelling from Kano to Abuja, Zainab Nasir, described the situation as troubling.
She explained that the increase forced her to call her father for additional money to cover the new fare.
“I had already planned my trip based on the old fare, but when I arrived at the park, I discovered that the price had increased. I had to contact my father to send more money so I could continue my journey,” she said.
Another passenger, Emmanuel Mshelia, compared the current fares with those charged just last week, noting that travellers now need to plan carefully before embarking on any trip.
“Travelling at this time requires proper planning. The fares have increased sharply, and many people have decided to postpone their journeys because they cannot afford the new prices,” he said.
The increase is not limited to interstate travel as short-distance trips have also been affected.
A traveller from Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State, Alhaji Baba, said he paid ₦3,000 for a trip that cost ₦1,500 just last week.
He added that he would still have to pay another ₦18,000-₦ 20,000 to continue his journey to Abuja.
The development, he said, has significantly increased the overall cost of travelling during the festive season.
Commercial drivers operating interstate routes say the increase in transport fares is unavoidable due to the rising cost of petrol.
A driver plying the Kano-Abuja route, Sunday Etodo, said he purchased petrol at about ₦1,370 per litre, forcing drivers to adjust fares.
“Last week, the fare from Kano to Abuja was about ₦15,000, but now we charge around ₦18,000-₦20,000 because of the high cost of fuel,” he explained.
Despite the approaching Sallah celebrations, transport operators say the number of passengers has declined compared with previous years.
A driver, Fidelis Obi, said the fare increase has negatively affected business.
“Normally, the parks are crowded at this time, but the increase in fares has reduced the number of passengers. Only a few vehicles are travelling to other states now,” he said.
Other drivers, Hudu Abdullahi and Usman Ibrahim, said they had been waiting since morning to get passengers for long-distance journeys.
“Before now, more than 100 vehicles used to leave this park daily with passengers, especially during festive periods. But now only a few vehicles are travelling,” they said.
According to them, most drivers now struggle to break even, as earnings barely cover the cost of fuel, waybills and other logistics.
A survey across filling stations in Kano metropolis revealed that petrol is currently being sold between ₦1,280 and ₦1,380 per litre, depending on location.
Khadijah Aliyu
