Abuja: Many car owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now prefer commuting in public vehicles to using their cars due to the hike in the pump price of petrol. Low-income earners, unable to afford high transportation costs, are opting to walk manageable distances to work to cope with the financial strain.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the usually busy Kubwa expressway and the Suleja to Mandalla axis are experiencing reduced vehicular movement, particularly on weekdays, as many car owners can no longer afford to fuel their vehicles. Other major routes in the FCT are also observing fewer vehicles on the roads.
Before the petrol price increase, these routes experienced heavy traffic congestion, resulting in slower speeds and longer travel times. Sholape Kolawole, a public servant living in Dutse Alhaji, shared that she stopped using her vehicle months ago due to the high cost of petrol. “It has been stressful using commercial vehicles,” she stated, explaining that while it remains expensive, it is not as costly as fueling her car daily.
James Obasi, a commercial transporter in Kubwa village, echoed similar sentiments, indicating that many colleagues have been unable to operate their businesses for weeks due to the unpredictable fuel situation. He urged the Federal Government to implement policies to address the ongoing issue.
Emmanuel Ajayi, another car owner, has been unable to buy petrol for months, citing the health impacts of relying on public transportation. Ajayi called on the government to find a swift resolution to the fuel price hikes.
Dr. Aliyu Ilias, a development expert, pointed out that the hardship faced by Nigerians is due to global oil market disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. Despite being an oil-producing nation benefiting from increased crude prices, ordinary citizens have not felt the positive effects. Ilias recommended that the government provide crude oil to local refineries at reduced rates to stabilize fuel prices and ease the financial burden on citizens.
Emmanuel Onwubikor, National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), described the petrol price hike as an economic ambush on Nigerians. He warned of the potential collapse of small businesses reliant on petrol, leading to increased unemployment and social instability. Onwubikor demanded immediate government intervention to stabilize prices and prevent exploitation under market forces.