TRAVEL | TRANSPORT & SECURITY
Yuletide Transport Fares Nearly Double Nationwide
By Travel Desk | December 2025
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigerians travelling for the Christmas holidays are facing a sharp and widespread surge in transport fares, as peak-season demand stretches transport capacity across major intercity routes nationwide.
The seasonal spike has pushed ticket prices to what many commuters describe as astronomical levels, adding financial strain to families making traditional end-of-year journeys.
Fare Watch: Steep Increases on Major Routes
Interstate transport operators have adjusted fares sharply, particularly on high-demand routes connecting Lagos to the South-East.
- Trips from Lagos to Enugu, Onitsha, and Owerri now range between ₦60,000 and ₦85,000
- This marks a near 100 percent increase from last year’s average fare of approximately ₦32,000
Transport operators cite rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, increased passenger demand, and limited fleet availability as key drivers of the fare hikes.
Impact on Travelers
The surge has disrupted travel plans for many commuters. Some passengers have delayed journeys or explored alternative transport arrangements, while others have absorbed the increased costs to meet family and cultural obligations tied to the Yuletide season.
Major motor parks across Lagos, including Jibowu, Oshodi, and Ajah, have recorded heavy congestion, extended waiting times, and long queues as travel volumes peak.
Security Deployment Along Travel Corridors
In response to heightened travel activity and security concerns, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed 5,000 police personnel across highways, motor parks, and transport hubs during the festive period.
Authorities have also introduced a specialized unit known as “Forest Rangers,” tasked with monitoring forested and bush corridors along major routes to deter kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Official Assurances
Police officials have assured the public of round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led operations, and rapid-response units positioned at strategic points. Transport operators have been urged to cooperate fully with security agencies and comply with safety regulations.
Seasonal Context
The Yuletide travel rush remains one of Nigeria’s most intense mobility periods, with millions of citizens moving across state lines within a short timeframe. While fare increases are a recurring feature of the season, this year’s rise stands out amid broader economic pressures and inflation.
Outlook
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, remain security-conscious, and budget carefully. While security presence has been reinforced, the sharp rise in fares highlights the growing cost of seasonal mobility in Nigeria.
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