Nigerian workers lament over cost of transportation

Commuters scramble for space in a bus despite the high cost of transportation in Lagos, Nigeria, on April 20, 2021. - Nigeria's economy was already struggling with a fall in the price of oil, Nigeria's major export, and a weak local naira currency, before the global pandemic struck. Now Nigeria's inflation has soared to a four-year high of more than 18 percent in March 2021, with food prices up 22.9 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

A cross-section of Nigerian workers on Friday expressed growing frustration over the increasing cost of transportation, attributing it to the persistent rise in fuel prices.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the workers decried the impact of high transportation costs on their finances and overall well-being.

Mr Anosike Godson, a dentist, noted that his regular route to work now costs N500 up from N200 a year ago.

“The difference is staggering, and it has drastically affected my daily expenses.”

Godson added that salaries have remained stagnant in spite of the steep increase in transportation costs.

“I haven’t had any salary increment, and it’s tough.”

Mr Ubokabasi Ekam, an engineer, called for fuel price control to reduce transportation fares.

“Transportation prices have tripled, making it unmanageable.”

Mr Ubong Udoekpo, a lawyer, said transportation now consumes more than half his salary. “Most workers consider resigning due to unsustainable salaries.”

Ms Joy Light, a civil servant, stated that transportation expenses equal her entire salary.

“I’ve had to reduce my workdays. How can one survive if all the money earned goes to transport?”

The workers emphasised that the fuel hike has triggered a ripple effect across the economy, driving up prices of essential goods and services.

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