Mass Boycott As Lagos-Ibadan-Train Service Starts

By Chuks Ekpeneru

The newly introduced Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge train service commenced on Monday with mass boycott of the service.

At the launch of the service Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi announced a price regime of N3,000 for the Economy, N5,000 for the Business and N6,000 for First Class.

However, the fares have not been received well by the masses who say it is unaffordable.

On the inaugural trip, which originated from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, there were less than five passengers on board.

No passenger was picked at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The return trip from Lagos back to Ibadan had five passengers. 

The NRC however said it would run one schedule of commercial service until patronage picks up.

A bus ride from Lagos to Ibadan or on the other way round goes for not more than N1,500.

This is why some Nigerians have called on the government to reduce the fares.

According to Dele Olagunju, a public affairs analyst “When you look at these prices, you will realize that, it is a little bit on the high side to average Nigerian. The reason is just the fact that, there is economic melt down. Secondly, transport fare to Ibadan by road is in the region of 1k to 1,500. But we must realize that,  rail transport is the safest. Secondly, the Chinese loan must be paid accordingly and as when due. The rail must be maintained  regularly by engineers. So, for now government can not subsidized.

According to Adeola Amusat: “It seems the rail system is not meant for the poor especially when compared to road transport which is about one third of the fare and where you have the really poor waiting by the roadside for free lift or what have you.

Ayo Abdul argued that when governent “Who in their right sense would boad a N2,000 train to ibadan when busses are cheaper. Who would even board it for a fee with the news of regular breakdown in the middle of nowhere on Abuja-Kaduna route?

Ade Kaz: “This is a miscalculated insult on the masses. What is the essence of rail system if it is more expensive than road transport? People think of comfort when things are okay. With the economic situation in Nigeria presently, the rail cost should be cheaper than road system; otherwise, the aim is defeated.”

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