NIGERIANS are increasing resorting to the use of public transport in response to rising petrol prices following the recent removal of petroleum subsidies that has pushed up pump prices to N145 (49p) a litre from N86.50 a litre.
In response to falling revenue as a result of the drop in global oil prices, the federal government has decided to scrap its fuel subsidy in a cost-cutting drive. This has lead to petrol prices soaring and in turn has pushed up the prices of other essential items, leading to a huge rise in the cost of living.
This has forced many Nigerians to abandon their cars and resort to using public transport, while several others have opted to using bicycles. In Lagos for instance, more people are leaving their cars at home when they go to work and resorting to the use of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
Lagos banker Olatunde Ayinde, said that between last Saturday and Monday, he spent around N12,000 to run his V6 engine-powered Lexus SUV. He added that before, he used to spend about N5,000 to fill up his car fuel tank to cruise around the city at weekends.
Mr Ayinde said: “Now, there is no more cruising as my income has not increased and it will be foolish for me to keep spending such an amount on fuel alone. I’ve parked my car in my compound and have promised myself to only take it to church on Sundays or maybe special functions.
"To be hopping from one public bus to another is not easy but with the new fuel price, I’m going back to public transport. Prices of foodstuff in the market have also skyrocketed as electricity bills have gone up and my salary has not been increased by my employer, so, it just doesn’t make sense to live the lifestyle I’m used to."
Engineer Kola Olaoluwa, bought a car for his banker wife who works on Victoria Island in January because they live 35km away from where she works. However, the new pump price of fuel, together with the usual daily stress encountered on driving to Lagos Island, has made her dump her car at home and go to work via the BRT.
Port Harcourt oil worker Tari Sekibo, said that the new fuel pump price was also biting hard for him and his family as he has abandoned his car in favour of public transport. He added that without the prompt payment of his salary by his employer, it was not realistic to continue driving his fuel-gulping V8 engine-powered Toyota SUV.
Last week, a monarch, the traditional ruler of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, had asked Nigerians to change their lifestyle so as to beat the fuel price increase. He recommended that Nigerians should start riding bicycles.
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