Lagos residents and commuters are struggling to cope with the rising cost of transportation following a recent increase in fuel prices.

The Guardian learnt that the cost of a trip from Maryland to Mile 2 has risen from N1,000 to N1,500, while the price of a journey from Sango Ota to Oshodi has increased from N800 to N1,500.

Commuters are also facing higher fares for interstate travel. The cost of a trip from Lagos to Abuja has risen from N18,000 to N30,000, while the cost from Lagos to Ibadan has risen from N1,500 to N3,000.

The rising cost of transportation is straining residents’ already stretched budgets.

Some residents have told The Guardian they are struggling to afford to travel to work or school. Others have said they have to cut back on other essential expenses, such as food and healthcare.

One resident, Benjamin Okoro, told The Guardian: “I cannot understand how a country can function without affordable fuel. Everything is getting more expensive every day. N5,000 cannot even buy anything reasonable at the market. The little salary I earn has all been swallowed by transportation. The government needs to fix things.”

Another resident, James Ekundayo, said: “It is like the government wants us all to stay at home. Food is hard to find, providing for a family is a challenge, and surviving as an individual is even harder. This isn’t the Nigeria we voted for; things need to change.”

Motorists have also called for the government to take action to address the rising cost of fuel. Jonny Odeh, a motorist, told The Guardian: “If transportation and living costs continue to rise, many Nigerians may not survive next election circle.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to listen to the masses and reduce the negative impacts of his administration’s economic policies, especially as it regards fuel and energy pricing.