In response to the recent hike in fuel prices, many residents of Borno State, including civil servants, have opted to abandon their vehicles in favor of walking, horseback riding, and using bicycles and tricycles for transportation.
A visit to Maiduguri, the state capital, on Thursday revealed a noticeable decrease in vehicular traffic, with pedestrians and riders on horseback and bicycles becoming more prevalent on the streets.
Dadoon Pam, a graphic designer, expressed his concerns about the rising cost of mobility. He noted that tricycle fares have nearly doubled since the increase in fuel prices announced on Tuesday. “This price hike has impacted me significantly. As a graphic designer, I rely on electricity to produce my work, and now, with fuel costs rising, I have to charge my clients more. It’s unfortunate, but I see no alternative,” he said.
Jeremiah Blessing, an enumerator with a non-governmental organization, shared her adjusted routine. She now breaks her morning commute by walking part of the way before taking a tricycle. “It’s been challenging since the fuel price increase. I often wait 10 to 30 minutes for a tricycle, as many riders have parked their vehicles due to the costs,” she explained.
Tuja Mai Abba, a retired customs officer, has also shifted to using commercial tricycles for short distances. “The government’s mixed messages about fuel subsidy and availability are confusing. I’ve parked my car for now; it saves me money,” he remarked.
Daniel Omolara, a member of another NGO, voiced his frustrations as well. “Since bringing my car to Maiduguri, I’ve never left it at home for work. Now, I can’t afford the fuel prices. N5,000 used to last me a day, but now it’s not enough,” he stated.
Micheal Johnson, a teacher at D’littles International Maiduguri, has taken to walking and biking due to soaring tricycle fares. “My school isn’t far, so I walked today. If prices continue to rise after we resume, I’ll have to wake up earlier to get to work,” he said.
The fuel price increase on Tuesday has seen rates rise to N855, N918, and higher per litre, varying across different locations and NNPC stations nationwide. This situation continues to challenge residents as they adapt to the economic strain.
