Minna: NURTW Defends Insane Yuletide Price Hike

Vehicles on Nigerian roads

Just days left to Christmas and citizens in Minna have been  lamenting in  economic agony. 

Transport fares to destinations outside Minna have undergone unprecedented surges despite the availability and stable price of fuel and other commodities. 

The transit fee to Abuja from Minna increased from N1, 800 to N2, 500 (a 38.9% increase). Fees to other destinations have also undergone similar modifications. 

The chairman of NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) Niger state branch, Alhaji Sulaiman Abubakar, defended the development alleging that it was induced by the passengers themselves. He wasn’t able to give any logical apologia. 

It is tradition in Nigeria for people (especially Christians) to move from one part of the country to the other during the yuletide to spend time with relatives and loved ones unfortunately, transport workers always take advantage of the desperation of passengers to enrich themselves. They hike prices on inane grounds.

Non Christians are also affected as the period is usually a public holiday and serves as an opportunity for them to visit loved ones too.