The Kaduna State branch
of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has said it was yet to take any decision on increasing transport fares due to recent hike in petrol cost.
The Chairman, Alhaji Alhassan Musa, said in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna that the union would await the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Officially we are yet to decide on what percentage to increase in the transport fare, this is because we want an increment that will be acceptable to motorists and passengers.
“As soon as we are done with the meeting, we would come out with an official statement, “ Musa said.
The Tide learnt that  in spite of the NURTW’s stand some of its units in Kaduna have effected marginal increase in the transport cost.
At the Abubakar Gumi Market Motor Park, passengers now have to pay additional N50 on all routes.
Chairman of the unit, Mohammed Sabitu, said that the N50 increase was temporary, pending directive from the union’s state executive council.
A passenger, Aisha Bello, said she was “pleasantly surprised’’ by the N50 increase, as she was expecting much higher.
Another passenger, Bello Kashim, said “this is the first time there was an increment on fuel price and I am paying this low to travel.
“I really commend the NURTW for being considerate.’’
Some commercial drivers said although the increment in the cost of petrol was not desirable, it would be in the best interest of Nigerians if it makes the product available at filling stations.
One of the drivers, Yahaya Abdullahi, said “all we want is for the fuel to be available so we can drive into a station and buy the product without queues.”
Another driver Zakariah Mikailu, however said that new fuel price was too high and would affect the economy negatively.