Fuel: Lagos Residents Decry Transport Fare Increase * Transport Fare Hike Leaves Commuters Stranded in Gwagwalada
Some Lagos residents on Wednesday decried increase in transport fares due to increase in the pump price of petrol by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL).
Report said that NNPCL, on Tuesday, increased the pump price of petrol, also known as Premium Motor Spirit, from N568 to N855 at its outlets.
Some Lagos residents, who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday, described the current fuel situation in Nigeria as biting, saying that it had affected transport.
A businesswoman, Mrs Beatrice Okonkwo, said that the increase had become frustrating to low income earners.
“Today, I stepped out to get to my child’s school, and I noticed an increase in transport fare.
“From Gate to Cele Bus Stop, which used to be N200, is now N300, and from Ijesha to Yaba, which was N200 by tricycle, is now N400.
“Drivers are even saying they would further increase the fares to be able to recoup money they spent on fueling,” she said.
She appealed to the Federal Government to do more to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.
A civil servant, who wants to be identified simply as Modinot, urged the government to address the fuel situation urgently.
According to Modinot, transport fare from Ipaja to Costain through Oshodi increased from N1,000 to N1,700 on Wednesday.
Modinot regretted that workers were facing the increase although they had yet to be paid the new minimum wage.
“Government should listen to our cries,” Modinot said.
A banker, Mrs Tope Okunola, said that commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists also increased their charges.
She said that commuters had always sufferred from any increase in petrol price.
“We are not finding it funny at all. Before, in my area, Festac Town, I paid N200 to the next junction, but today it cost N300.
“As transport fare goes up, so will food stuffs prices in the markets.
“The ordinary person cannot eat again.
“Government should really address the situation fast,” she said.
Also in Abuja, most commuters in Gwagwalada Area Council were left stranded at various bus stops on Wednesday due to a sudden increase in transport fares.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Retail Management approved an increase in the pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre on Tuesday.
The independent marketers had also adjusted their pumps, as they were now selling between N930 and N1,200.
Report says that there has been scarcity of fuel in the territory in the last two months with motorists enduring long queue to buy the product.
Following the announcement of the hike in price, queues at the few filling stations dispensing the product worsened.
Our correspondent who visited some parks and bus stops in Gwagwalada reported that some drivers were unwilling to work, while those who were willing had increased their prices.
Residents were left stranded, and some could not afford the new fares.
Mr Solomon Akanbi, a civil servant, expressed his shock at the increase, saying he used to pay N1,000 from SDP junction to secretariat but was now being charged between N1,400 and N1,500.
“I came out this morning expecting an increase of N200 from my bus stop to secretariat but was shocked when I was told that fares was N1,500, this means N500 additional.
“I do not know how one will survive this constant increase in all goods and services in this country.
“You find out that things keep increasing including taxes but the salary to meet these needs remain the same.
“How will I pay this amount in one month, what will be left of my salary after the payment and my office does not have staff bus,” he said.
He called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to intervene and assist Nigerian workers.
Miss Peace Achibong, a University of Abuja student, said the new increase in transport fares from Gwagwalada to the university gate was too exorbitant for students.
She considered seeking accommodation close to the campus to reduce costs.
Mr Chibuzor Agbakwuru, a trader, said the new fares made it difficult for him to commute from Gwagwalada to his shop in Area 10.
He expressed frustration with the country’s economy and called on the government to address the issues.
Mr Suleiman Yakubu, a driver, said he could not afford to buy fuel from black marketers and had decided not to work.
“We are not finding it easy likewise commuters, prices of all route has increased before from Gwagwalada to Nyanya goes for N1,500 but as at this morning is now N2, 000.
“Also, from Gwagwalada to Lugbe is now N1, 000 as against N700, Gwagwalada to Area 1 is now N1,500 as against N1,000, Gwagwalada to Kaduna road is now N1, 200 as against N800.
“As fuel price keeps increasing, we will have no choice but to increase our prices. This morning many passengers have to go back home because of the increase in prices,” he said.
He pleaded with the government to find a solution to the fuel shortage and price increases.
Source- (NAN)
