A Nigerian man planning to travel from Lagos to Asaba has expressed shock and frustration after discovering the exorbitant cost of a flight ticket for the journey. The incident, which occurred recently, highlights the growing concerns over the affordability of air travel within Nigeria, especially against the backdrop of security challenges on the roads.
Viral TikTok Video Reveals Staggering Cost
In a video posted on TikTok by user @agu_oyibo_lolo, the traveler lamented the price he encountered while trying to book his trip. He shared a screenshot showing the flight ticket priced at a whopping N500,000. The man questioned the rationale behind such a high fare, directly linking it to the perilous state of road travel.
"Take a look at the price of a plane ticket from Lagos to Asaba. Why? Why won't they increase the price of a plane ticket? Because the road is no longer safe," he stated in the video. "They believe everybody is going to be flying. And if you cannot afford it, you follow the road." His post, published on December 4, 2025, quickly garnered significant attention online.
Public Outcry and Reactions to the High Fare
The viral video sparked a flood of reactions from Nigerians who shared their own experiences and frustrations with the high cost of air travel and unsafe road conditions.
@Linda_Ohakosim expressed skepticism, suggesting the man might have been on the wrong booking site, noting that Air Peace flights on the same route were around N196,000. She added, "I tire, e better than make dem kidnap you, you pay 10m with trauma."
Others shared personal stories of hardship. @mummy Ty from Abuja lamented, "I haven't seen my old mum for over 5 years... where on earth will I see 500k for plane? Because na road I de follow go... oh God so I'm still not going to see her this season."
Some commenters proposed alternative, albeit risky, strategies. @Ngozi_lush wrote, "I go use 50k enter ABC transport, use 100k do odeshi, use another 50 do abidosheka then flex the rest for village as a big girl wey I be," referring to spending money on transport and spiritual protection for the road.
The sentiment of exploitation was strong. @Pikin_of_success speculated, "Wat if the airlines are still behind this just for excess profit... I see no reason in a situation like this you increased flight cost. Omo." @Leonardfendi blamed the government, saying, "It’s obvious the govt wants everyone us dead. If not... flight to anywhere in Nigeria no suppose pass 100-150k."
Broader Context: Safety, Accessibility, and Profit
This incident is not isolated. It taps into a national conversation about the intersection of security, transportation, and economic accessibility. With rising cases of kidnapping and banditry on major highways, many Nigerians feel forced to consider air travel, only to find it financially out of reach.
The reactions underscore a painful dilemma: choose the potentially dangerous road or pay an exorbitant sum for a short flight. As @Johnson William pointed out, even flying doesn't eliminate all risk: "If you reach Asaba airport you will still enter car to your house so your life still in danger."
The outcry reflects deep-seated concerns about profiteering during a national crisis and calls for regulatory scrutiny on domestic airfare pricing, especially on routes where road travel has become notoriously unsafe.
