The Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONIS) has raised serious concerns over the growing hardship faced by Nigerian students as a result of persistent and unjustified hikes in transportation fares, particularly as students return to campuses across the country.
ASONIS notes with deep concern that this trend is placing an enormous financial burden on students and their families, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living. Access to affordable transportation remains critical to students’ safety, academic stability, and overall welfare.
The association, however, commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his administration for adopting considerate and people-centered policies in the transportation and energy sectors. Notably, the Federal Government has consistently worked to stabilize and reduce fuel prices, even during festive periods when price hikes were common under previous administrations.
Despite these efforts, ASONIS expresses disappointment that many transport operators have failed to reflect these reductions in their fares. Instead, transport costs have continued to rise, a development the association describes as exploitative and insensitive to the realities facing Nigerian students and other vulnerable citizens.
ASONIS strongly condemns this practice, describing it as a form of economic extortion that directly undermines President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The association believes that transport unions and operators should be partners in national development, not obstacles to policies designed to ease citizens’ suffering.
Student welfare, ASONIS emphasized, must be treated as a national priority. As young Nigerians return to campuses, affordable and safe transportation is not optional—it is essential. Denying students this access risks disrupting academic activities and exposing them to avoidable dangers.
In light of this, ASONIS calls on key stakeholders to act urgently. The association urges His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively, calls on the Minister of Transportation to enforce fair pricing mechanisms, and appeals to transport unions nationwide to show empathy by moderating fares in line with prevailing fuel costs.
ASONIS reiterates that students remain the lifeblood of Nigeria’s future and must not be crushed under avoidable economic pressure. The association stands ready to collaborate with government agencies and transport stakeholders to ensure policies translate into real relief for students.
Together, ASONIS believes, Nigerians can work collectively to build a more compassionate, fair, and hopeful nation—one where students are supported, not exploited.
