Rail transport revenue surges to N1.1bn in Q2 2023 –NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that its revenue for the second quarter of 2023 increased to N1.1 billion from the sum of N768 million collected from rail passengers in the first quarter of this year. In its Transportation Data (Q2 2023)’ report published on its website Friday, the statistics bureau the figure represents a 69.7 per cent increase over the Q1 figure. On a year-on-year basis, the amount represents a 83 per cent increase over the sum of N598.74 million generated in the corresponding quarter of 2022. The NBS disclosed that in the quarter under review, a total of N188.03 million was generated from the transportation of goods and cargo by rail, amounting to an increase of 105.04 per cent when compared to the N91.70 million revenue in Q2 2022. Furthermore, the Bureau disclosed that miscellaneous income from rail transport in Q2 2023 amounted to N18.74 million, reflecting a decline of 62.31% from the N49.73 million reported in Q2 2022. On the number of passengers that travelled by rail during the quarter, the statistics agency reported a significant increase with a total of 474,117 passengers, which also indicated 12.25% increase compared to the 422,393 passengers reported in the same quarter of 2022. However, the report showed that the volume of goods transported by rail in Q2 this year reduced to 56,029 tons, from the 59,996 tons recorded in the first quarter of 2023 but that when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2022, the volume of cargo increased from 31,197 tons.

FG sets to enhance rail sector for improved services -Alkali

The Federal Government has underscored its commitment to overhauling the rail transportation sector to ensure superior service delivery, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating a secure, accessible, and affordable railway network accessible to all Nigerians. During an unannounced visit to the Idu Train Station in Abuja, Senator Sai’du Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, affirmed this dedication. Alkali outlined strategic steps to rejuvenate the railway system, including bolstering cooperation with the Military high command to enhance security measures along all railway routes. Addressing concerns about the subpar condition of train coaches, amenities, lifts, and escalators, the Minister assured that comprehensive repairs would be expedited, ensuring they become operational promptly. Furthermore, the Minister extended commendation to security personnel for their role in maintaining safety. He assured the personnel that any outstanding allowances would be settled without delay, and going forward, remuneration would be provided punctually. Alkali reiterated that rail transportation remains the optimal means of travel, encouraging Nigerians to continue embracing it. He emphasized ongoing endeavors to align rail services with international standards and best practices.

Nigeria’s intercity transport rises by 98.88% in June -NBS

The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop increased by 97.88 percent from N649.59 in May 2023 to N1,285.41 in June 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said. In its Transport Fare Watch of June 2023 posted on its website, the NBS stated that on a year-on-year basis, it rose by 120.63% from N582.61 in June 2022. Analysts have attributed the astronomical increase to fuel pump price hike following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Transport Fare Watch for June 2023 covers the following categories: bus journey within the city per drop constant route; bus journey intercity (state route) charge per person; air fare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and water way passenger transport. In another category, the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity per drop rose to N5,686.49 in June 2023, indicating an increase of 42.09% on a month-on-month basis compared to N4,002.16 in May 2023. “On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 55.25% from N3,662.87 in June 2022. In air travel, the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes’ single journey increased by 4.93% from N74,948.78 in May 2023 to N78,640.54 in June 2023. On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 40.22% from N56,082.64 in June 2022. “The average transport fare paid on Okada transportation was N618.52 in June 2023 which was 33.14% higher than the rate recorded in May 2023 (N464.55),” the statistics bureau stated. On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 48.34 percent when compared with June 2022 (N416.97). For water transport (waterway passenger transportation), the average fare paid in June 2023 increased to N1,366.22 from N1,045.15 in May 2023. On a year-on-year basis, it increased by 44.84% from N943.26 in June 2022