The December Transport Madness: How ₦3k Rides Magically Become ₦11k Overnight
- Sean
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
December in Lagos has a special talent: it turns ordinary things into luxury experiences. Traffic becomes an endurance sport. Suya lines feel like concerts. And transport? Transport becomes a negotiation.
One minute, your usual ride home is ₦3,000. You blink. Refresh the app. Suddenly it’s ₦11,000 — and the driver hasn’t even moved. That’s the moment December officially starts.
This isn’t robbery. It’s ritual.
Every year, Lagos transport prices lose their shame, gain confidence, and start behaving like they’re sponsored. And somehow, everyone acts surprised — even though it happens every single year.
The December Switch: When Movement Becomes Premium
December doesn’t just increase prices. It changes the meaning of movement.
In October, transport is logistics.
In December, transport is vibes delivery.
People are no longer moving because they must. They’re moving because:
There’s a wedding in Lekki.
There’s a hangout “by 6” (which means 9).
Someone said, “Let’s just link up.”
Once movement becomes optional and social, prices stop being logical.
This is the angle nobody tells you: December transport isn’t expensive because drivers are wicked. It’s expensive because everybody is outside at the same time, and nobody wants to be left behind.
“If you’re not stuck in traffic in December, are you even participating?”
Demand Has Left the Chat
Let’s be honest: Lagos already struggles with transport on a normal day. December just removes the brakes.
By the first week:
Offices haven’t fully closed, but productivity has.
Schools are on break.
IJGBs have landed.
Events are overlapping like calendar errors.
Now imagine all these people ordering rides between 4pm and 9pm — the most cursed hours of Lagos traffic.
The result? Demand explodes.
And when demand explodes in Lagos, prices don’t rise gently. They jump. Aggressively. Without apology.
That ₦3k ride didn’t slowly become ₦11k.It teleported.
Why December Transport Prices in Lagos Always Explode
Here’s the quiet part: not all drivers are working in December.
Some have travelled.
Some are attending family events.
Some are avoiding traffic because even they are tired.
So while riders multiply, drivers reduce.
Basic economics says prices go up.
Lagos economics says prices go up and drivers add comments like:
“Madam, traffic dey.”
“Oga, if you like it, take it.”
“That price is fair, December don enter.”
You’re not just paying for distance anymore.
You’re paying for patience.
You’re paying for survival.
Surge Pricing: December’s Favorite Weapon
Ride-hailing apps love December like Detty December loves loud speakers.
Surge pricing, which is supposed to be temporary, becomes a lifestyle.
In December:
Yellow means “think twice.”
Red means “you’re desperate.”
Dark red means “are you sure you want to go out?”
Drivers chase surges because that’s where the money is.
Apps allow it because demand supports it.
And riders? Riders suffer quietly while refreshing.
“The app said ‘high demand’ like I didn’t already know that from the traffic noise outside.”
Lagos Traffic Is the Final Boss
Let’s not ignore the main villain.
December traffic isn’t traffic. It’s a slow-moving documentary on human patience.
Roads shrink.
Detours multiply.
Every shortcut becomes a trap.
A 25-minute trip becomes 1 hour 40 minutes — and suddenly ₦11k doesn’t even feel outrageous anymore. You’re tired. The sun has set. You just want to get home.
This is how December wins.
It wears you down until you start justifying nonsense.
The Emotional Math We All Do
December transport pricing messes with your head.
You start saying things like:
“If I don’t go, I’ll regret it.”
“I’ve already dressed up.”
“It’s just money.”
This is how a ₦3k plan becomes an ₦11k decision.
Not because you’re careless — but because December is emotional.
You’re not paying for distance.
You’re paying for memories.
And Lagos knows it.
Survival Tips Nobody Asked For
You can’t stop December transport madness, but you can manage it.
Leave early or very late. The middle hours are a scam.
Walk small distances if you can. Sometimes ₦0 beats ₦11k.
Group movements. Splitting fares hurts less.
Accept when the price is mad and stay home. Peace is free.
Most importantly: budget for nonsense. December always brings it.
The Real Truth
December transport prices in Lagos don’t rise because Lagos is evil.
They rise because Lagos is crowded, emotional, impatient, and chasing vibes — all at once.
₦3k didn’t become ₦11k by accident.
It became ₦11k because December entered the chat… and muted logic.
By January, prices will calm down.
Traffic will still be bad — but at least it will be honest.
Until then, buckle up.
December is driving.
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