Lafia residents say rising petrol prices are inflating transport fares, deepening economic strain
Lafia, Nigeria – The continuous increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has prompted residents of Lafia to complain that transport costs have surged, making daily commuting harder for workers, students and traders, according to interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.
Civil servant Grace Yakubu said her daily transport expenditure has risen from about N800 to more than N1,500, pressuring her monthly budget. “It is becoming difficult to cope,” she said.
Students are also feeling the impact. Ibrahim Sani, a university student, reported that the fare from his neighbourhood to campus doubled from N200 to N400, forcing many peers to walk short distances to save money. “Sometimes I have to walk because I cannot afford it every day,” he explained.
Commercial drivers linked the fare hikes to the climbing cost of petrol and vehicle maintenance. Daniel Ochiga and Sunday James, both drivers, noted that fuel, engine oil and spare parts have become increasingly expensive. “We increase fares because we also want to survive,” James said.
Tricycle operators echo the same concern. Musa Adamu said most of his daily earnings are now spent on fuel, leaving little for other expenses. “Passengers complain, but we have no choice,” he added.
Transport operators at Yahaya Sabo Motor Park have observed a decline in passenger numbers since fares rose sharply in recent weeks. Alhaji Garba Arikya, the park’s secretary, attributed the drop to the unaffordability of higher fares.
Local resident Breakthrough Israel called on the federal government to introduce measures that would lessen citizens’ burden, including improvements to public‑transport infrastructure and policies aimed at stabilising fuel prices.
The situation reflects a broader national trend where rising petroleum costs are affecting mobility and household budgets across Nigeria. Authorities have not yet announced specific interventions to address the issue in Lafia.
