The recent hike in petrol prices has led to a more than 50% increase in transportation fares across major Nigerian cities, according to findings by Daily Trust. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) implemented the new price adjustments, with petrol now ranging between N855 and N897 per litre, depending on location, up from the previous N568-N617. Independent marketers have set their prices even higher, between N930 and N1,200 per litre.
This increase has had a significant impact, with many Nigerians resorting to walking long distances or missing work due to the steep rise in transportation costs. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have all called for a reversal of the petrol price hike. Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that this development could drive inflation even higher.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to protest and shut down major cities starting September 15, 2024, unless the price hike is reversed.
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Commuter Frustrations in Abuja and Lagos
Commuters in Abuja, Lagos, and other cities have expressed their frustration over the fuel price increase, which has severely affected their daily lives. Many reported being forced to walk to work due to the unaffordable transportation costs. Adeolu Segun, a civil servant in Zuba, Abuja, noted that his fare from Zuba to Berger had jumped from N1,000 to N1,500. Zainab Ibrahim, a mother of six from Kubwa, said she now pays N1,000 for a route that previously cost N500.
Ismaila Danjuma, Secretary of the Zuba branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), confirmed that the rise in transport fares is directly linked to the increase in petrol prices. Similarly, a passenger traveling from Abuja to Kano, Murjanatu Shehu, reported a fare increase from N8,000 to N11,000, while Haruna Yakubu, a driver on the Abuja-Lokoja route, said fares have surged from N4,500 to N6,000.
Residents in Kano and Rivers Turn to Trekking
In Kano and Port Harcourt, residents have also resorted to walking due to the higher transport fares. Kano resident Yakubu Isa, who previously paid N200 for a trip from Kwana Hudu to Kano Guest Inn, said he now walks because he can’t afford the new N400 fare. Similarly, a teacher, Maikudi Haliru, reported walking to school to avoid the increased tricycle fares.
At the Kano Line Motor Park, there was a low turnout of passengers, as fares on the Kano-Kaduna and Kano-Abuja routes have risen to N6,000 and N12,000, respectively. Residents of Port Harcourt and Ondo State also reported similar fare hikes, with many opting to walk short distances to work to save money. In Jalingo, Taraba State, tricycle fares have risen by 50%, while in Borno and Yobe states, fares have increased by 30%.
MAN Warns of Inflation Spike
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned that the petrol price increase could further drive up inflation and put pressure on household budgets. MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, highlighted the likely increase in transportation and goods prices, which will reduce consumers’ purchasing power and negatively affect businesses. He warned that the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could be severe.
Student Protest Planned Over Fuel Price Hike
NANS has announced a planned shutdown of major cities starting September 15, 2024, in response to the fuel price increase. The group, led by Senate President Okunomo Henry Adewumi, is demanding the immediate reversal of the hike and the removal of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. However, another faction of NANS, led by Akinteye Babatunde, denied any plans for a nationwide shutdown, calling the claim baseless.
Afenifere, PDP, and TUC Demand Reversal of Price Hike
Afenifere has called on the federal government to instruct the NNPCL to reverse the petrol price hike, referencing the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri’s statement that the government did not mandate the increase. Afenifere spokesman Jare Ajayi stressed that the hike is poorly timed, as Nigerians are already facing economic hardship. The group pointed out that petrol prices have increased by 460% in just 15 months and questioned how the NNPCL could declare profits while claiming significant debt.
Similarly, the PDP condemned the fuel price hike as a “brutal assault” on Nigerians by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba urged President Tinubu to reverse the increase, noting that it exacerbates the already dire economic situation and pushes millions of Nigerians further into poverty.
In Delta State, tricycle riders in Warri South Local Government Area protested the price hike, blocking roads and disrupting business activities.
TUC Demands Immediate Reversal
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also criticized the government for the petrol price increase and demanded its immediate reversal. TUC President Festus Osifo expressed concern that the rising cost of fuel and electricity would increase poverty levels, worsen citizen suffering, and potentially lead to social unrest. He urged the government to consider the welfare of Nigerians, especially the working class, who are most affected by such price hikes.
Presidency Denies Fuel Price Deal
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media (Print), denied claims that President Tinubu bargained with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over fuel prices in exchange for agreeing to a new minimum wage of N70,000. He refuted the allegations made by NLC President Joe Ajaero, calling them a political move aimed at manipulating public opinion.
