As students across Nigeria prepare to return to campuses following the festive season, outrage is mounting over skyrocketing transportation fares. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to transport unions and operators, demanding an immediate reduction in fares to reflect the recent drop in fuel prices.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NANS Senate Clerk Oladimeji Uthman called out key transport unions—the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)—for imposing exorbitant fares despite federal measures to ease costs.
“Exploitative and Insensitive” Practices Under Fire
The NANS leadership accused transport operators of exploiting Nigerian students during a critical period. “It is appalling that while the government has reduced fuel prices, transport operators have chosen to inflate fares arbitrarily,” the statement read. “This predatory behavior is both insensitive and exploitative.”
According to NANS President Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the fare hikes have left students stranded at motor parks and struggling to return to their campuses. “Transportation costs have become a privilege, not a right, and this trend must be reversed immediately,” he declared.
Government Action Demanded
In addition to its demands for fare reductions, NANS has urged the Federal Government to extend its ongoing transportation palliative program by one week. The program, which offers a 50% discount on fares across 144 major routes, was introduced to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
“We commend the Federal Government’s initiative, but it must be extended to truly benefit students during this challenging time,” Emonefe added.
The association also called on the Ministry of Transportation to enforce compliance among transport unions. “Relevant regulatory agencies must ensure that these unions adhere to fair pricing mechanisms,” NANS stated. “Failure to do so should attract strict sanctions.”
Students Threaten Nationwide Protests
NANS has signaled its readiness to mobilize students nationwide if their demands are not met. “If transport operators continue to exploit Nigerians, we will have no choice but to stage peaceful protests across the country,” said Emonefe. “We cannot stand by while millions of students suffer.”
This isn’t the first time NANS has taken a stand on transportation issues. Last year, the association successfully advocated for a temporary reduction in fares during peak travel periods, though implementation challenges persisted.
Background on Fare Hikes
Transportation costs in Nigeria have been a contentious issue for years, exacerbated by fluctuating fuel prices and poor regulatory oversight. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 initially led to a dramatic rise in costs across sectors, including transport. However, a recent reduction in fuel prices was expected to ease the burden on citizens.
Instead, many Nigerians report that fares have remained high, with unions citing increased operational costs as justification. Critics argue that these claims are unfounded, pointing to the lack of transparency in fare-setting practices.
Impact on Students
For Nigerian students, the fare hikes have had a particularly harsh impact. Many rely on public transportation to travel long distances between their homes and schools. “The festive season is meant to bring joy and unity,” said Uthman. “Instead, students are grappling with despair and financial strain caused by greedy transport operators.”
A student from Lagos, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience. “I couldn’t afford the fare to return to my university in Abuja. It’s frustrating because the government claims fuel prices are lower, but we’re not seeing any relief.”
Calls for Unity Among Stakeholders
NANS has called on transport unions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians. “This is a critical period for students, and all parties must act responsibly to ease their burdens,” said Emonefe.
The association also emphasized the need for empathy and patriotism, urging unions to “choose people over profit.”
A Ticking Clock
With the new academic term fast approaching, NANS’s ultimatum has put significant pressure on transport unions and the government. Whether the unions will heed the call for fare reductions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Nigerian students are prepared to fight for their rights.
“Our message is simple,” said Emonefe. “Do the right thing, or face the consequences.”
