Fuel Price Hike Deepens Lafia Transport Crisis

Many residents of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, have lamented the fuel price hike, saying it has increased transport fares and worsened transportation challenges across the city.

Residents in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the fuel price hike has made commuting difficult and worsened economic hardship.

Grace Yakubu, a civil servant, said the fuel price hike is putting her monthly budget under strain.

She said she used to spend N800 on transportation daily, but now spends over N1,500.

Ibrahim Sani, a student, said many students have resorted to trekking short distances to reduce transportation costs.

“Transport fare from my area to school increased from N200 to N400. Sometimes, I have to walk because I cannot afford it every day,” he said.

Daniel Ochiga, a commercial driver, attributed the increase in transport fares to rising petrol prices and vehicle maintenance costs. Sunday James, another commercial driver, said transport operators were struggling to remain in business.

“Fuel is expensive, engine oil is costly and even spare parts are no longer affordable. We increase fares because we also want to survive,” said James.

Musa Adamu, a tricycle operator, said many operators now spend most of their daily earnings on fuel.

“At the end of the day, little or nothing remains after buying fuel. Passengers complain, but we have no choice,” he lamented.

Garba Arikya, the secretary of Yahaya Sabo Motor Park in Lafia, said transport fares have increased significantly in recent weeks due to the high cost of fuel.

According to him, the situation has also led to a reduction in the number of passengers using the park.

“The park is no longer as busy as it used to be because many people can no longer afford the fares,” he said.

The recent surge in fuel prices across Nigeria is linked to tensions between the US and Iran, and to the Middle East conflict.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a sharp increase in the cost of global energy supplies and refined petroleum prices.