Ekiti transport unions cut fares to Onitsha, Lagos, Ibadan, others by 40%

As part of the government’s efforts to cushion negative economic effects on commuters and residents of the state, who board intra- and inter-state commercial vehicles from Ekiti state to other parts of the country, the transport unions have slashed transport fares between 28.6% and 40%.

BusinessDay reports that Kayode Fayemi-led Ekiti state government on Wednesday met with the leaders of transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) where they both agreed to slash transport fares, slashing fare from Ado-Ekiti to Lagos by 28.6% – from N3,500 to N2,500.

They also cut the transport fare from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, to Ibadan in Oyo state by 40% – from N2,500 to N1,500; the fare from Ado-Ekiti to Onitsha in Anambra state was slashed by 33.7% – from N5,200 to N3,500; and the fare from Ado-Ekiti to Akure in Ondo state was similarly cut from N1,500 to N900.

Speaking on the transport price hike in the state, Rotimi Olanbiwonninu, Chairman of Road Transport Employer’s Association of Nigerian (RTEAN), Ekiti State chapter, who spoke on behalf of leaders, announced that members of the union had agreed that some of the prices would be reverted to the old prices and some would be reviewed downwards.

Olanbiwonninu, who was flanked at the meeting with the representatives of State government at Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, by Oso Farotimi and Abioye Johnson, Chairmen of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Association of Cooperative of Transporters in Ekiti state, respectively, added that fares from Ado-Ekiti to towns like Ikole, Omuo, Oye, Ido, Ise, Emure, Ikere, among other places within the state, had been reviewed and reverted to the old prices.

Responding, Governor Kayode Fayemi said that the downward reviews of the fares for both intra- and inter-state travels became necessary as part of quick response to the people’s demands for an immediate reduction in transport fares, explaining that it took government and union leaders four days of negotiation and meetings before they could reach an agreement of price reduction.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Biodun Omoleye, promised to support the transport unions with loans and reduction in the cost of auto spare parts, reiterating the commitment of his administration to alleviating poverty and making life comfortable for the people.

While assuring that his administration would continue to dialogue and negotiate with other critical stakeholders to ensure that there is a downward review of prices of commodities and services in the state, the governor said, “This is the beauty of dialogue. We started this meeting with commercial transport associations in Ekiti state with the understanding to bring down transport fares in Ekiti state.

“We appreciate the good gesture from the transporters. You can be assured that the government will do everything within its power to assist and support your unions. The Commissioner for Commerce is listening and all our development agencies are also being advised to bring succour to the transport unions.

“Pls be assured that your request for support in procuring buses for mass transit is being looked into. We have also promised that essential spare parts would also be made available for your members.”