Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are voicing their frustrations over soaring transportation fares that are severely limiting their mobility and impacting both personal and business activities.
Moreover, the rising prices of essential food items are increasingly out of reach, particularly for low-income earners.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many residents highlighted that their most pressing challenge is the scarcity of fuel, despite its rising cost. They reported that fuel is not readily available at numerous filling stations, contributing to the inflated transportation costs. Consequently, they urgently appealed to the Federal Government and relevant authorities for intervention, expressing that Nigerians are suffering and becoming increasingly desperate.
Mrs. Rebecca Solomon, a civil servant, urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise of providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for commuters. She explained that the introduction of these vehicles would significantly alleviate the burden of transportation costs affecting all sectors.
“Nigerians were optimistic when President Bola Tinubu announced the provision of buses to ease our struggles,” Solomon said. “We have been waiting and hoping for the arrival of these promised buses, but they have yet to materialize. We need divine intervention to navigate through these hardships because conditions are not improving. Many people are suffering and dying.”
Mr. Godson Edache, a nurse, echoed these sentiments, noting that the sharp rise in the cost of necessities is hitting residents hard, which can only be addressed by lowering transportation fares. He stated, “Transportation is critical as it influences virtually every sector in the country. It’s not surprising that the prices of goods and services have soared.”
“Every day, I struggle to afford the cost of commuting to work because transportation expenses keep changing,” Edache continued. “The recent spike in bus fares has added strain to my already tight budget, making it increasingly challenging to make ends meet. Even at the clinic where I work, we’re no longer seeing the high volume of patients we used to, as many cannot afford medication due to the rising costs.”
Mr. Gabriel Ojo, a desk officer, shared his own frustrations: “I’ve long since forgotten that I own a car, as I haven’t used it in a while due to the high fuel prices. I can’t help but wonder if fuel station operators are hoarding fuel to create scarcity and justify price hikes. I’ve set aside the convenience of driving and now rely on various cabs to get to work, as that’s all I can afford at this point.”
Agnes Goja, a student, explained how she now has to walk to school because her aunt, a petty trader with three children, can no longer afford to give her transportation fares. “My aunt used to provide me with money for transport, but now she’s struggling to feed us and pay our school fees,” she shared.
Miss Abiba Sule, a trader, lamented that her mobile business, which involved selling goods from one ministry to another, has been severely impacted. “I can’t afford to rent a shop, so I used to move around to sell my products. But now, business is slow, prices have gone up, transportation costs have soared, and people are complaining about having no money. It’s no longer business as usual, and it’s significantly affecting my income. Right now, two of my children, who should be in school, are at home because I can’t afford their fees. The situation is dire. The government needs to step in and improve our economy before we all succumb to hunger and poverty.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Festus Azubuike, a teacher, expressed his concerns about the high cost of living while commending the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians. “I often wonder how we manage in this country. We are incredibly brave and resourceful, and I tell my friends that Nigerians have a unique ability to adapt,” he said. “No matter the circumstances, we always find ways to cope and survive. However, government officials at all levels must collaborate and implement policies that provide lasting solutions to our issues.”
Mr. Nathaniel Okon added, “Those not in the elite class are starving and suffering. Prices for basic food items like yam, rice, and plantains have surged beyond what ordinary people can afford. A tuber of yam now costs between N3,000 and N4,000, three bunches of plantains are N4,000, and rice prices fluctuate daily. Even fruits are becoming luxury items; an apple that once sold for N50 a few months ago now costs N500. How long can this continue? Something has to change, or we will soon be picking bodies off the streets.”
