Introduction:
The Lagos State government's recent decision to increase the transport fares of state-owned public buses by a staggering 40% has left a bitter taste in the mouths of commuters and well-wishers. This move comes after a commendable effort by the government to reduce these fares in August, providing much-needed relief to its residents in the wake of the federal government's decision to remove fuel subsidies. However, the sudden and exorbitant fare increase has left many questioning the government's motives and its commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

The August Relief:
In August, when the Lagos State government decided to reduce public transport fares, it was seen as a ray of hope for the masses. Faced with the sudden removal of fuel subsidies in May, which led to an increase in the cost of living and transportation, the government's decision to lower fares by 38% to 50% was widely commended. It was seen as a genuine attempt to alleviate the economic burden on the people, even though it was understood to be a temporary measure.

A Shocking Reversal:
Last week, the Lagos State government announced that it would revert the transport fares to their previous rates. However, what was meant to be a return to normalcy has turned into a disheartening blow to the masses. Instead of returning to the exact old fares, the government has chosen to impose a staggering 40% fare hike, making transportation unaffordable for many Lagosians.

For instance, the fare from Abule-Egba to Yaba, which used to be N500 before the August reduction, was temporarily reduced to N310 to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. However, the government's decision to hike the fare to N700 is nothing short of exorbitant. This move is not only shocking but also sends the message that the state government is more interested in recouping any losses it may have incurred during the fare reduction period, rather than genuinely considering the welfare of the people.

The Burden on the Poor Masses:
The 40% fare increase places an unbearable burden on the already struggling masses of Lagos. It is well-known that Lagos has a significant population of low-income earners and vulnerable citizens who rely heavily on the state-owned public transport system. These citizens have already been grappling with the rising cost of living, and this fare hike only exacerbates their woes.

The government's decision appears to be in stark contrast to its responsibility to provide affordable and accessible transportation to its citizens, especially in a densely populated and economically diverse city like Lagos. It also raises questions about the government's commitment to social equity and its understanding of the economic hardships faced by the people it serves.
Government's Responsibility:
It is expected that the government acts as a custodian of public welfare, ensuring affordable and accessible public transport for all citizens, particularly in a city as populous and economically diverse as Lagos. Unfortunately, this recent decision is a clear departure from such responsibilities, disenfranchising those who rely on public transportation as their primary means of commuting.
Call for Review:
We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to reconsider its decision and reinstate the previous lower fares. It is crucial that the government takes into account the economic realities faced by the majority of the population and looks for alternative ways to generate revenue without unduly burdening the already disadvantaged segments of society.

Conclusion:
The Lagos State government's decision to increase public transport fares by 40% is a grave injustice to the residents of the state. The move has betrayed the trust of the masses, who were initially relieved by the government's decision to lower fares in August. Instead of providing genuine relief, the government's action seems to prioritize revenue generation at the expense of the poor and vulnerable.
It is imperative that the government reconsiders this unjust fare increase and takes into account the struggles of the masses, who are already burdened by the high cost of living. The state government should uphold its responsibility to provide affordable and accessible public transportation, ensuring that the people of Lagos are not further disadvantaged by unjust decisions that harm their economic well-being.

As in ehn especially the civil servants that work base on stagnant salary 😡 whereby the salaries haven't been increased and yet exporting has commenced heavily from them 😭



Admin frontpage material plz