Many car owners in the Federal Capital Territory have been forced to abandon their personal vehicles and resort to public transportation following the recent increase in petrol prices. The situation has intensified economic hardship across Abuja, leaving residents struggling to cope with rising transport costs and reduced mobility.
According to observations by the News Agency of Nigeria, low income earners are among the worst affected, with many now walking long distances to work due to unaffordable transport fares. The rising cost of fuel has also contributed to a noticeable drop in vehicular movement across major roads in the capital.
Reports from key routes such as the Kubwa Expressway and the Suleja Mandalla axis indicate significantly reduced traffic during weekdays. Roads that were previously congested are now relatively free as many private vehicle owners can no longer sustain daily fuel expenses.
A public servant, Sholape Kolawole, said she had stopped using her personal car due to the high cost of petrol. She explained that although public transport is stressful, it remains her only option since her salary cannot cover daily fueling.
Another resident, James Obasi, noted that the situation has disrupted small transport businesses, with many operators forced to suspend services due to high operating costs. He warned that the transport sector is under serious pressure.
Emmanuel Ajayi also shared his experience, stating that he has been unable to fuel his vehicle for months. He said constant reliance on public transport has affected his productivity and overall wellbeing, urging the government to intervene urgently.
A development expert, Dr Aliyu Ilias, described the hardship as severe, noting that many Nigerians are now forced to stay at home for several days each week due to transportation costs. He argued that despite Nigeria being an oil producing country, citizens are not benefiting from its resources.
He recommended that the government channel part of its oil revenue into ilising fuel prices and consider supplying crude oil to local refineries at subsidised rates to reduce the cost of refined products.
The National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onwubikor, also described the situation as an economic ambush on citizens. He warned that small businesses such as barbing salons, workshops, transport operators, and petty traders are at risk of collapse.
He called for urgent government intervention, including price ilisation measures and stronger regulatory oversight, warning that continued fuel price increases could worsen unemployment and insecurity across the country.
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