Business
Fares Still High After Fuel Price Reduction
Transports fares to various parts of the country remained high about one week President Goodluck Jonathan announced a reduction in the pump price of petrol from N141 to N97 per litre.
Our correspondent reports that inter- and intra-city fares, which had risen by more than 150 per cent following the January 1 increase in the pump price from N65 to N141 per litre, still subsisted.
Passengers travelling to Lagos and Ibadan from Abuja by bus from the Jabi motor park told our correspondent that they were paying N4,700 as against N3,200 charged before the pump price increase, while those travelling by car paid N5,000.
Our correspondent also reports that those travelling to Owo and Akure, both in Ondo State, paid N3,500 instead of the previous fare of N2,000 by bus.
Passengers travelling to Ilorin by car paid N5,000, up from N2,500.
Our correspondent further reports that fares to the South-East jumped from N3,520 to N6,520 for passengers travelling to Abia, while those travelling to Enugu paid N3,500 instead of N1,800.
Mr Moses Alexander, the Secretary of NURTW at the Jabi park, said commuters were not travelling as much as they used to do because of the strike called by organised labour, now suspended, as well as the high transport fares.
Alexander assured travellers that the union was ready to bring down fares if the filling stations adjusted their pump price to N97 per litre as announced by government.
Intra-city fares which had increased by more than 100 per cent following the earlier increase in pump price from N65 to N141 subsisted on Monday.
Passengers commuting between Garki in Abuja and Gwagwalada, also in the FCT, were paying N400 compared to N250 while those commuting between Wuse in Abuja and Mararaba in Nasarawa State paid N200, up from N100.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
