Hardship: We barely move around town, make ends meet – FCT residents cry out
Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed their frustration over the rising cost of transportation, which has limited their movement and negatively impacted personal and business engagements.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents said the most significant challenge they face is the non-availability of fuel despite the increased price of the commodity. The fuel shortage has worsened, leading to an increase in transport fares, making daily commutes almost unbearable.
Several residents appealed to the Federal Government and other authorities to urgently intervene, as Nigerians are increasingly desperate.
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Mrs. Rebecca Solomon, a civil servant, urged the government to fulfil its promise of providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for public transportation. She emphasized that these buses, once operational, would help reduce the high cost of transportation, which is affecting all sectors.
“Nigerians were excited when President Bola Tinubu announced the provision of buses to ease our suffering. But we are still waiting for them to arrive. The situation is not improving; many are suffering and dying,” she lamented.
Mr. Godson Edache, a nurse, noted that the high transportation costs are affecting healthcare services, as patients can no longer afford to visit clinics for treatment.
“Every day, I struggle to afford the transport fare to work. The prices change daily, and this is affecting everything, including the cost of healthcare,” Edache stated.
Similarly, Mr. Gabriel Ojo, a desk officer, said that due to the high cost of fuel, he had abandoned his car and now relies on public transportation. He expressed suspicion that fuel scarcity is being artificially created to raise prices.
“I haven’t used my car in a long time because I can’t afford fuel. I’ve resorted to using cabs. This is what I can afford now,” Ojo said, calling for urgent action to address the worsening situation.
Students and small business owners have also been hit hard. Agnes Goja, a student, said she now treks to school because her aunt, who is a petty trader, can no longer afford to give her money for transportation. Miss Abiba Sule, a mobile trader, shared how the transportation crisis has crippled her business, leaving her unable to pay her children’s school fees.
Meanwhile, Mr. Festis Azubuike, a teacher, praised Nigerians’ resilience despite the harsh economic conditions. He noted that Nigerians have a unique ability to adapt, but called on the government to implement long-term solutions to address the country’s challenges.
“We are a brave and resourceful people. But the government needs to step in and come up with policies that will bring about lasting solutions to our problems,” Azubuike said.
Residents continue to urge the government to address the escalating cost of living, with hopes that relief will come soon before the situation worsens further.
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