Badagry's public affairs commentator, Babajide Akran, has issued an urgent appeal to transport unions and government authorities in Lagos State, calling for an immediate reduction in transport fares amid the Christmas festivities.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Akran expressed concern that many Nigerians are facing severe financial strain due to rising transport costs, despite recent reductions in petrol prices and the absence of fuel scarcity.

According to him, the festive season, traditionally a period for family reunions and celebration, has become a difficult time for millions of residents who rely on road transport to travel within and outside Lagos. He noted that petrol prices dropped in December 2025 following adjustments by the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), with pump prices reportedly falling to between ₦699 and ₦835 per litre.

Despite this development, #Akran said transport fares across several routes in Lagos and neighbouring states have continued to rise, in some cases doubling during peak travel periods.

“While fuel costs have eased, transport fares have continued to climb, placing avoidable pressure on families, workers and low-income earners,” he said, describing the situation as exploitative and insensitive to the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

He appealed directly to the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other transport unions, urging them to reconsider the fare increases and align pricing with current fuel costs. Akran called on transport operators to prioritise compassion, especially during the Christmas season.

In his appeal, he specifically mentioned prominent transport and government stakeholders, including Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Sego, popularly known as Alhaji Sego; Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, asking them to intervene and ensure fairness in the sector.

Akran also appealed directly to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing the situation as an “emergency SOS” that requires swift government action.

He urged the state government to engage relevant stakeholders, review current fare structures, and enforce measures that would ease the transport burden on residents during the festive period.

“Lagosians look to the government for protection and progress,” he said, adding that unity, empathy and fairness would strengthen society more than short-term financial gains.