By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The sharp rise in fuel prices in Nigeria has posed major economic challenges, deeply affecting the lives of its citizens. Since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fuel costs have skyrocketed, triggering inflation, increasing transport costs, and elevating the overall cost of living. This shift has led to widespread public dissatisfaction as Nigerians struggle to handle the financial burden.
The administration has faced criticism over its economic strategies, with the decision to push fuel prices beyond N855 per litre at NNPCL outlets and more than N1,000 at other stations drawing significant backlash. Public discontent intensified when the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, distanced the federal government from the recent price surge, leaving citizens to bear the consequences.
Nigerians witnessed the sudden impact of these price hikes firsthand, as fuel prices jumped from around N600 to over N855 per litre, varying by location. This spike caused an immediate increase in the cost of goods and services, further deepening poverty in the country. Transport expenses nearly doubled, driving up prices of everyday items and forcing households to cut back on their spending to manage the higher costs.
With the spike in fuel prices, inflation has surged to 24.61% in 2024, marking its peak in two decades. Low-income families, who already allocate most of their earnings to food and energy, are feeling the brunt of this increase. Their ability to buy essential items has been severely weakened, as rising food prices and utility bills make it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs.
Daily Struggles Intensify
Public reaction to the fuel price surge has been marked by frustration and resentment. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their displeasure with the government’s economic policies. Some have joked about switching to bicycles, while others have openly criticized the administration’s approach. Groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and various civil society organizations are pushing back, demanding a rollback of the price increase, citing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
Despite the difficulties, Nigerians are finding ways to adapt to these challenges. Many have turned to alternative means of transportation, such as bicycles or carpooling, to reduce their daily commuting costs. Others are investing in solar energy and energy-efficient technologies to cut their reliance on petrol and diesel for household power.
One individual who spoke to Abuja City Journal at Gwarimpa bridge explained their situation:
“I can’t even buy a full tank. Maybe I’ll buy the one that my money can buy. So, I can’t buy a full tank of this car. They have increased the fuel now. Full tank now should be like N100,000. I’m collecting 70,000 as a salary.”
Another person who lives at Berger said: “As Nigerians, we have a strong capacity to adjust. For example, I’ve cut down unnecessary trips. Food is not cheap, and not using your car is seen as a sign of poverty. This situation is forcing us to adapt, mentally and financially.”
Yet another respondent shared:
“Thank God Nigerians are rugged. We can suffer and smile. It’s not convenient for anyone, but when it becomes necessary, we have no choice. We must buy fuel to go to work, but it’s draining everyone’s pockets.”
The rising cost of fuel has also significantly impacted transportation. Many commuters are paying twice as much for transportation than before, with the fuel price rise being passed directly to consumers. Some transport operators lament that even with increased fares, profits are shrinking due to the high cost of fuel.
“There are filling stations that charge N1,200 per litre. When you tell a passenger to pay N2,000 for a ride that used to cost N1,000, they can’t afford it. But what can we do?” one transporter lamented.
Michael an Abuja-based Civil Engineer told Abuja City Journal: “Before, I spent N25,000 to fill my tank. Now, it costs N100,000. How do we survive this? I spend N6,000 daily just commuting to work, but I barely make any profit.”
Coping Mechanisms: A Daily Battle
As the cost of living continues to rise, many Abuja residents are making difficult decisions to cope. Some have resorted to skipping meals, walking long distances, or reducing their daily activities to minimize transport and food expenses.
“I don’t want to go to work every day. I wish my boss would allow me to work from home more. It would save me the daily struggle of paying for fuel,” shared a frustrated worker.
Another resident said, “My neighbor has a car, but since fuel prices increased, he barely drives it. We’re all walking more now or staying indoors when we can.”
A middle aged woman narrated how she reduce her daily spending. She told Abuja City Journal at AYA on Tuesday “I stay at City College area in Mararaba. Every morning, I will have to trek Nyanya Under bridge where I will get a bus here [at AYA] for N500 which was what I use to spend from my house to this place before. From AYA, I will now have to trek to Asokoro Shopping Mall.”
“On some good days,” the woman said “I get a lift or join Hilux where I will pay N100 to Mararaba. That was I’ve save N400 for that journey.”
In a bid to survive these harsh economic realities, Nigerians are showing remarkable resilience. They are cutting down on non-essential spending, opting for cheaper food alternatives, and making other adjustments to their daily lives. However, the strain on household budgets is undeniable, and many are calling for urgent government intervention.
As Abuja residents and Nigerians nationwide grapple with these economic pressures, the clamor for more substantial governmental relief grows louder. While fuel price hikes and inflation may be inevitable in the short term, the need for effective policies to ease the burden on citizens remains urgent. Without intervention, the fuel price increase will likely continue to exacerbate poverty and economic hardships, testing the resilience of the Nigerian people.
