Following the call by the Federal Government of Nigeria to end the interstate ban imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NURTW has now announced that they plan on doubling the cost of transportation.
Acting General Secretary of the union, Kabiru Yau, called on the government to subsidize operation cost for motorists.
According to him, the directive by the government for motorists to carry fewer passengers will lead to a corresponding increase in the cost of transportation.
“We thank the Federal Government for lifting the ban; it is a welcome development because it is over three months that our members have been out of jobs and without income,” The Cable quoted Kabiru Yau as saying.
“At least, our people will now start working and get something to feed their families.
“But at the same time, due to the spacing in the vehicles which will require the drivers to carry only nine or ten instead of the usual 18 passengers, the income of the drivers will be reduced.
“So we want the government to help subsidize the cost of those passengers that we will not be carrying or we will have to increase our transport fares.
“This is because the money that will be generated from the reduced number of passengers will barely cover the cost of fuel for the journey.
“So, what is the gain? What will you give to the owner of the vehicle? So, the government should please help us look into this matter.”
In other report, the NCDC has urged Nigerians to continue to maintain social distancing in order to protect the elderly people in society.
According to their statistics, every 3 out of 5 persons that have died of COVID-19 are above the age of 50.
