BY RITA OYIBOKA
With Christmas less than 30 days away, a familiar buzz fills the air. Nigerians are preparing for the traditional Yuletide migration to their hometowns, villages, and ancestral roots to reunite with loved ones.
This cultural hallmark, rooted in family bonding and community connection, is as anticipated as the fireworks lighting up the festive night sky. But this year, the roads, wallets, and hearts of many Nigerians are heavy with doubt.
The lingering question remains: Will Nigerians brave the nation’s deteriorating roadways, reckless drivers, and skyrocketing transportation costs to uphold this cherished tradition?
A Dangerous Highway to Celebration
Nigerian roads have often been described with grim sobriquets like “death traps” and “highways to hell,” and not without reason. According to a 2023 report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), no fewer than 5,081 people were killed in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in 2023 nationwide. In other words, nearly 500 die on our roads monthly. Moreover, road accidents spike alarmingly during the Ember months, from September to December. These months, synonymous with increased travel activity, also see heightened risks of fatal crashes due to reckless driving, overloading, and poor vehicle maintenance.
The situation is exacerbated by deplorable road conditions. Pothole-ridden highways, erosion-threatened bridges, and poorly lit routes are common features across the country. On notorious roads like the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan highway, the dangers extend beyond traffic mishaps to include kidnappings and armed robberies.
Despite these challenges, the allure of spending Christmas with family remains a strong pull. But for many, the question isn’t just about safety, it’s about affordability.
The Cost of Coming Home
Festive travel is as Nigerian as jollof rice at a wedding. Every December, towns, and villages come alive with the return of city dwellers eager to reconnect with their roots, attend weddings, and honour age-old traditions. However, this year’s travels may see fewer participants. Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, transport fares have more than doubled.
Take road travel, for instance. A bus ride from Benin City to Lagos, which cost ₦5,000 in 2021, now averages ₦11,000 and if you fancy a little comfort, prepare to cough up as much as ₦22,000. As for air travel? Let’s just say it’s a luxury few can afford. A one-way flight from Asaba to Abuja now costs ₦126,000, a price tag capable of turning even the most eager traveler into a reluctant homebody.
Air Peace, a name synonymous with Nigerian aviation, has added another nail to the festive travel coffin. By December 1, 2024, economy ticket prices will leap from ₦95,000 to a staggering ₦181,000–₦285,000, a jaw-dropping 200% increase. For a minimum-wage earner, that’s the equivalent of over four months’ salary. The airline’s so-called honeymoon with passengers is officially over, and the fallout is already being felt.
Not to be left out, United Nigeria Airlines is also hiking fares. By the end of November, passengers will pay ₦142,501 for an economy ticket from Abuja to Owerri. Come December 1, that figure will climb to ₦150,000, a modest 5.2% increase, but a painful pinch nonetheless.
This year’s festive season seems poised to redefine the meaning of “home for the holidays.” For many Nigerians, the cost of travel is simply too high, leaving them to choose between a distant family reunion and the stark reality of staying put.
FRSC Geared For Crash-Free Festivities, Delta Sector Commander
In an interview with The Pointer, the Delta State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Frederick Ogidan, outlined the agency’s extensive preparations:
“Our preparations have begun in earnest, even before the Christmas season sets in. These efforts will culminate in what we call Operation Zero Tolerance for Road Traffic Crashes. Our goal is to ensure that there are no crashes throughout the festive season.
“To achieve this, we have already commenced aggressive public enlightenment and education campaigns for motorists. These include town hall meetings, roadshows, and press conferences. We have been sensitising motorists and commuters about the season.”
Speaking further, the FRSC boss shared, “In Delta State, we will deploy over 25 patrol vehicles, three ambulances, a 70-ton tow truck, and other privately owned tow trucks. These resources will be stationed strategically to address vehicle breakdowns and prevent traffic gridlock. Additionally, we will deploy about 1,500 personnel, including regular and special marshals, across all routes in the state to ensure road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.”
Ogidan acknowledged the deteriorating state of key highways, including the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway, which has become nearly impassable in some sections.
“While we have good roads across the country, there are some that require urgent repairs. The government is continuously working to fix these roads. If you visit the Onitsha-Asaba road, for example, you’ll see contractors actively working to ensure the roads are passable during the Christmas season and beyond.
“As an organisation, our duty is to inform the relevant agencies, which we have done. We maintain a strong synergy with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency and the Federal Controller of Works for Delta State. This collaboration has yielded noticeable improvements, and I am confident the repairs will be completed before Christmas.”
He noted intensified preparations for Christmas and New Year, revealing collaborative efforts with counterparts from Anambra State to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festive period. “In the meantime, our men will be present to manage traffic and ensure road discipline, keeping the major routes clear for travelers,” he added.
Reckless Driving: Passengers, Speak Up – CC Ogidan
Reckless driving remains a major contributor to road accidents. FRSC data indicates that over 60% of accidents during the festive season are caused by speeding, dangerous overtaking, and driving under the influence. Passengers, too, are being urged to take an active role in ensuring their safety.
According to CC Ogidan: “The theme of this year’s ember month campaign is Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving, as data shows that crashes often kill more passengers than drivers. We’re now focusing on educating commuters to speak up if they observe a driver engaging in reckless behaviour.
“The campaign has involved advocacy in churches, mosques, and other public spaces. Passengers are becoming more aware of their rights; they’ve fulfilled their part by paying the fare, and it is now the driver’s responsibility to ensure they arrive at their destination safely.
Despite these efforts, enforcement remains a challenge. Many drivers continue to overload their vehicles, use worn-out tires, or ignore basic safety regulations. In response, the FRSC has set up mobile courts along major routes to prosecute offenders on the spot.
According to the Corps Commander, “Beyond public enlightenment, education, and town hall meetings, enforcement will be a key strategy during this period. We will not allow the recklessness of a few drivers to endanger others.
“We are also conducting special intervention patrols to ensure vehicles are in proper condition. These include checking for good tyres, ensuring they are neither worn out nor expired, and verifying that vehicles are roadworthy.
“Additionally, our ambulance services will operate 24/7 to provide prompt assistance in the event of an accident. Our goal is to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities. This year, we are targeting a 5% reduction in fatalities, and in Delta State, we have already surpassed this goal.”
He also shared that the FRSC runs a programme called Safe to Load, where our personnel inspects tankers at tank farms to ensure they meet safety standards before they load and ply the roads. Ogidan added: “For those who fail to comply, they are not immune to arrest. We take enforcement seriously and ensure they are educated on proper practices.”
Road Users Speak Out
Mrs. Ngozi Eze, a passenger who frequently travels between Abuja and Enugu, recounts harrowing experiences: “Last December, we were stuck on the road for over eight hours because a trailer overturned on the highway. This year, I’m scared of even trying to travel. The roads are unsafe, and drivers are reckless.”
Delta State Corps member Francis Diri observed that traveling to and from his home state, Plateau would consume 90% of his monthly allowance, making the trip financially unfeasible.
Sharing a similar perspective, a trader, Mrs. Chinwe Anene, explained that her focus is beyond Christmas, which, according to her, lasts only a day. Instead, she is prioritizing the payment of her children’s school fees and house rent for the coming year.
“You can see how food prices are skyrocketing daily. I cannot go into debt to celebrate Christmas for just one day. Initially, I had planned to travel to my village this year, but the current situation made me change my mind. Even my brother, who was set on traveling with his family for the yuletide, decided against it when he learned that a family friend who was kidnapped three months ago is still being held, despite the ransom being paid. Traveling by air seems to be the only safe option, but how many people can afford it? The rising cost of living and increasing insecurity are stripping Christmas of its joy and glamour. We are pleading with the Federal Government to urgently address these challenges,” she lamented.
Sharing a similar concern, Mr. Daisi Akirinbola explained that the cost of fuel for a trip to his hometown in Ondo State far outweighs the benefits of the journey. “Just a few months ago, it cost me a little over ₦30,000 to fuel my car for a round trip to Ondo. I also budgeted ₦5,000 for the inevitable checkpoints along the way. Now, the same trip would cost over ₦60,000, and you can’t go home empty-handed either. At this rate, it’s more practical to send the money as a cash gift to my family and remain where I am,” he said.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Christmas season approaches, the question remains: Will Nigerians continue to risk life and limb on unsafe roads or will economic realities force a cultural shift?
The FRSC has urged Nigerians to prioritize safety over speed and comfort. “Check your vehicle before hitting the road. Avoid speeding, overloading, and using worn-out tyres. If your journey isn’t essential, consider staying home. Remember, only the living celebrate,” Ogidan reminded road users.
Meanwhile, stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention to improve road infrastructure and reduce transport costs. Without these measures, the joy of the festive season risks being overshadowed by hardship and tragedy.
As the countdown to Christmas continues, the nagging question remains: will Nigerians brave the challenges to uphold the cherished tradition of festive travel? For many, the answer lies in balancing the nostalgia of homecoming with the stark realities of cost, safety, and survival.
