Rising transport fares in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are compelling workers to alter their daily routines, residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday. Petrol prices have increased from about ₦875–₦880 per litre to between ₦1,335 and ₦1,400, sharply raising commuting costs and placing additional strain on workers.
Commuters said the hike in fares is already affecting productivity, punctuality, and overall welfare. Many now leave home earlier, spend significantly more on transport, or contemplate reducing the number of days they attend work because of escalating costs.
Mr. Abdul Daniel, a civil servant, said he now pays about ₦1,700 from Dei-Dei to the Federal Secretariat, compared with ₦1,000 or ₦1,200 previously. He explained that fares are higher during peak periods, forcing him to depart earlier to remain punctual.
“If things continue this way, I may have to reduce the number of days I go to work,” he said.
Another civil servant, Mr. Sony Ugwuata, said fares from Masaka to Wuse now range between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200 during peak hours. Off-peak fares, which used to be ₦500, now cost about ₦700, further stretching workers’ budgets.
Ms. Chidimma Chukwu, who lives in Lokogoma, said her daily transport cost has risen from about ₦2,200 to ₦3,200. “This increment is eating deep into our monthly expenses, and salaries are not being increased,” she said.
A nurse, Mr. Kingsley Jato, also expressed concern, noting that fares from Lugbe to Area 10 have increased from ₦700 to between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200.
Mrs. Chimerica Onyema said she now plans her movements carefully and combines trips to reduce costs. She added that many workers who own cars now carry passengers to offset fuel expenses.
Mrs. Erica Ekah, a civil servant, said she previously charged ₦700 for passengers from Galadimawa to the Secretariat, but increased the fare to ₦1,000 after buying fuel at ₦1,400 per litre. “The passengers paid because they had no choice,” she said.
An economic expert, Mr. Chimezie Okorobia, called for urgent government intervention, urging authorities to introduce policies and programmes to ease the transportation burden on workers and households.
