Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have raised concerns over rising transport fares after the recent increase in the pump price of petrol nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that petrol, previously sold between N835 and N875 in the FCT, now sells for between N1,200 and N1,350 per litre.
Following the hike, transport fares have jumped by about 100 per cent, with many commercial vehicle operators already adjusting their prices. Commuters warned that the increase could further worsen the cost of living.
Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, a civil servant in Garki, said the fare from Nyanya to the city centre had risen within days of the fuel price change.
“Last week, I paid N800 to work, but today I paid N1,000. It may look small, but when you calculate it for the whole week, it is a lot,” she said.
Another passenger, Theresa Godspower, explained that she paid N700 from Nyanya to the Federal Secretariat Abuja, compared with the previous fare of N500.
A commuter, Musa Abdullahi, said he paid N1,200 for a trip from Masaka to the city centre, up from the N700 he previously paid.
Similarly, Godwin Ameh said fares from Lugbe to Wuse had risen from N800 to N1,000, while some drivers now charge as much as N1,200.
Another commuter, Amos Badifu, noted that increases in transport fares often lead to higher food prices.
“Whenever fuel goes up, transporters increase fares and traders also raise the cost of food items because of transportation.
“The fare from Kuje to Berger has increased from N1,300 to N1,500, even bike fares have also increased.
“I know that before next week ,prices of some major food items will have increased, as most sellers often look for reasons to increase price of their items ,” he said.
A taxi driver, John Eze, said operators were forced to increase fares to avoid running at a loss.
“Yesterday, I bought fuel at N1,250 per litre, but today it is N1,350. We have to adjust fares or we will run at a loss,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria also observed fewer vehicles on major roads across the city, as many vehicle owners begin to feel the impact of the fuel price hike.
An economist, Dr. Ibrahim Sule, said increases in fuel prices usually create a ripple effect across the economy, particularly affecting transportation and food supply.
“When fuel prices rise, transport costs increase, and traders usually pass the additional cost to consumers. This is why people fear food inflation may follow,” he said.
Sule advised the government to strengthen social protection programmes and improve mass transit systems to help cushion the effect on residents. He also recommended greater investment in alternative transport options to reduce the country’s reliance on petrol-powered mobility.
