Easter movement declines at Jibowu park as fewer travellers gather and buses wait longer for passengers. | Source: TheSun
Easter travel is not picking up the way it usually does. Across motor parks in Lagos, there are fewer people moving, and buses are not filling like before. Transporters have raised fares to keep up with diesel costs and many people are choosing to stay back. The mood for this season feels different, with transporters and commuters highlighting this change.
Cross-State Easter Plans: Travel Home or Send the Money?
Transport operators say the cost of fuel is the main issue. Diesel now sells for around ₦1,800 to ₦1,900 per litre. That has pushed fares on some routes from about ₦20,000 last year to as high as ₦35,000. At cross-state parks in Lagos like Jibowu, operators say they now struggle to fill even one bus in a day.
The story behind this goes back to the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, which have kept oil prices under pressure. When global prices move, local fuel costs follow. For instance the cost of diesel before the U.S., Israel and Iran conflict used to be around ₦1,000 to ₦1,100 per litre. The price increase of nearly 80% has put pressure on both transport systems and citizens in general.
Some commuters who spoke with 234Drive said they had already ruled out travelling. A female commuter named Esther said Easter trips are usually a back-and-forth decision, but the current fuel prices made it simpler this time. Another, named Zinna, said he would rather send the transport money home to his family than travel and show up with nothing. According to him, it saves him stress and awkward explanations.
Government Support Steps In as Travel Becomes Harder
In response to the rising cost of travel this Easter, the Cross River State Government has introduced a free transport scheme to support residents during the Easter holiday period. More than 60 buses have been deployed across major routes, covering both urban and rural areas, with the programme set to run for two weeks.
The move is aimed at easing the burden on commuters who are facing higher transport fares due to fuel prices. Officials say the focus is to help people stay connected during the festive period without the added financial strain.
