It appears that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s promise of reduced transportation costs has taken a U-turn. Despite the ongoing burden of high transportation expenses, it seems this is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s quite amusing how swiftly the Governor has decided to backtrack, especially when fuel prices remain a sore point for Nigerians.
You see, many governors adjusted transportation fares in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, and now, they’re undoing those changes. It’s the common prople who will bear the brunt of this decision. It’s as if this administration is more focused on acquiring luxury cars for lawmakers and building multi-billion naira yachts than on alleviating the hardships faced by the people.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has announced the cancellation of the 50% transport fare discount on all public transport systems, a move implemented in response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive on August 2, 2023.
According to LAMATA’s public notice issued on a Saturday, the reversion to the old transport rates will take effect from November 5. The statement clearly states, “The 50% rebate in transport fare in the regulated transport system in Lagos ends on Sunday,” effectively ending the relief that had been provided to commuters.
Starting from Monday, November 6, 2023, the transport fare will return to the pre-August 2, 2023 rates. Lagos residents are advised to take note of this change and prepare for the resumption of regular transport fare rates.
It’s worth recalling that Governor Sanwo-Olu had previously announced a reduction in transport fares for state-owned and commercial yellow buses as part of an effort to mitigate the impact of petrol subsidy removal. However, it seems that these reductions were short-lived, and the old rates are now being reinstated.
What’s truly baffling is that citizens are now burdened with higher transportation costs, even as their salaries remain stagnant. While the Governor enjoys various allowances, including fuel and vehicle allowances, the ordinary citizens of Lagos State are left to cope with soaring transport expenses.
So, the question on many minds is, what exactly did we vote for? It seems the challenges of living under an administration that appears to lack effective planning have only just begun. The suffering caused by these policy flip-flops is something that many will have to endure, and it’s a bitter pill to swallow for the people of Lagos.
