On Tuesday, many commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) found themselves stranded at bus stops due to a sudden and significant increase in transport fares. This fare surge followed a recent decision by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to raise the pump price of fuel to N855 per litre.
The sudden fare hikes caused confusion and frustration among commuters, with reports indicating that the cost of transportation doubled within a matter of hours. For many, this abrupt increase in fares created financial strain and logistical challenges, leaving some people unable to afford their journeys.
Miss Amina Yusuf, a clerk, shared her experience of the fare hike. She noted that her morning commute from Gudu to Garki cost N1,000. However, upon returning in the afternoon, she found that the fare had nearly doubled. Yusuf described the situation as dire, recounting how she was stranded at Phototech junction with several others until a colleague came to her aid.
Mr. Kingsley Okoye, another commuter, expressed his frustration with the sudden fare increase. He had initially left his house with just enough cash to cover his transport costs, only to find that the fare from Apo to Gudu had risen from N250 to N400. Faced with this unexpected expense, Okoye had to make a detour to withdraw more money, adding to his stress.
Mrs. Jennifer Fabian, who regularly commutes from Nyanya to the city centre, noted that her transportation cost had surged from N200 to N1,200. She attributed this increase to the recent fuel price hike, which has significantly impacted the cost of living. Fabian criticized the government for not addressing the economic hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy, and she urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to alleviate the situation.
Similarly, Mr. Ahmed Musa, a trader at Wuse Market, lamented the impact of the fare hikes on his daily routine. He observed that his usual transport cost had doubled from N300 to N600 for a one-way trip. Musa expressed concern about the additional financial burden on families, especially with the upcoming school season and the associated transportation needs for children.
The fare increases have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among commuters, who are calling for government intervention to address the rising cost of transportation. Many argue that the current policies disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class citizens, exacerbating their financial difficulties.
As the situation unfolds, there is growing concern about the broader economic implications. The surge in transport costs is expected to ripple through other sectors, potentially driving up prices for goods and services across the board. The strain on household budgets and the added pressure on businesses are likely to have far-reaching consequences.
In light of these developments, the need for a comprehensive response from the government has become increasingly urgent. Commuters and stakeholders alike are urging officials to address the issue promptly to prevent further escalation of economic hardship.
