Abuja residents negotiate transport fares as fuel price soar

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have resorted to bargaining for affordable rides as transport fares increase significantly across the nation’s capital and neighboring states. Investigations by Abuja Metro reveal that major filling stations have adjusted their pump prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Consequently, commercial drivers have […]

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have resorted to bargaining for affordable rides as transport fares increase significantly across the nation’s capital and neighboring states.

Investigations by Abuja Metro reveal that major filling stations have adjusted their pump prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Consequently, commercial drivers have hiked fares on various routes, forcing residents to pay significantly more.

Commuters told Abuja Metro that they now prefer to negotiate fares before boarding to avoid embarrassment or heated arguments.

This development comes amid growing concerns over global crude oil supply and pricing, attributed to weeks of escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Residents described the situation as unbearable.

Mr. Stanley Uwalaka, a furniture designer, who commutes from Apo to the Dei-Dei building materials market, said the hike is eating into his earnings. “Unlike before, when I spent N3,500 to N4,000 daily on a round trip, I am now compelled to spend much more,” he said.

He added, “From Apo Roundabout to Dei-Dei junction, I used to pay N1,300; now it has increased to N1,600. Sometimes, I end up begging for a discount. Some drivers don’t want to hear ‘abeg’ (please), so I often wait for private drivers who might offer a lower rate.”

Similarly, Mummy Joy, who sells bananas and groundnuts at the Federal Secretariat, said the high cost of transport is making her business difficult.

“I come from Mararaba because the market is better here, but it makes no sense if all my profit goes to transportation,” she explained. “Many women I sell with have stopped coming. I have decided that if prices don’t come down by next week, I will stop coming too.”

Commercial drivers, however, argue that the price hikes are beyond their control.

Oga Paul, a taxi driver, noted that the cost of fuel and spare parts has pushed some of his colleagues out of business entirely.

“Nobody should blame us; we charge according to what we buy. I considered converting my car to CNG, but the lack of refilling centers made me drop the idea,” he said.

A civil servant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, admitted he now picks up passengers to offset his own fuel costs.

“Before, I would carry people for free or a small discount, but now I have to charge, though I still don’t charge as much as the commercial drivers,” he said.

Daily Trust findings revealed that the fare from Berger Roundabout to Zuba has increased from N1,500 to N1,800, while commuters traveling from Nyanya to Jabi Garage now pay N1,700.

Similarly, the trip from Area 1 to Ministers Hill now costs N700. Fares from Jabi Garage to Area 1 (en route to Apo Roundabout) and for Coaster buses from Mararaba have both risen from N500 to N700.

Furthermore, transportation from Mpape to Jabi Garage, formerly N800, now ranges between N1,000 and N1,200.

From Lugbe to Berger Roundabout, the fare has hit N1,000, while the trip from Berger to Karmo is now N700, up from N500. Additionally, fares from Kuchigoro to the Federal Secretariat and from Life Camp to Wuse Market have both surged from N500 to N800.