Nigeria is facing tough times, with the recent increase in fuel prices making life even harder for many.
In Abuja, the nation’s capital, residents are feeling the pinch, and the impact is being felt most sharply in suburban areas like Marraba-Nyanya. The rising cost of fuel has made transportation more expensive, forcing people to change their daily routines and rethink how they live and work.
Marraba-Nyanya Residents in Shock
In Marraba-Nyanya, a busy area just outside Abuja, the sudden rise in transportation costs has left residents stunned. What started as a slight increase yesterday has quickly become unbearable. Today, the usually crowded roads were nearly empty as many people chose to leave their cars at home, unable to afford the high cost of fuel.
Jeremiah, a resident, decided not to drive his car to town. “If it’s not important, I won’t drive. It has to be a matter of life and death. What kind of life is this?” he asked, clearly frustrated by the situation.
Cutting Back on Car Usage?
The fuel price hike is forcing families to make difficult choices. Mrs. Rose, another resident, shared how her family has decided to reduce car usage. “I can’t even ask my husband for money to fuel my car. We’ve decided to use just one car in the house. Cars are a luxury we can no longer afford,” she said. This is a common sentiment among many families now struggling to make ends meet.
Suleiman, a father of three, also shared his worries. “I used to drive my kids to school, but now we walk. It’s not easy, but what choice do we have? I can’t afford to buy fuel every day when they are hungry,” he said, highlighting the difficult decisions parents are making to save money.
For those who rely on public transportation to get to work, the situation is equally challenging. Joy, a data analyst who lives in Maraba and works in Mabushi, decided not to go to work today. “My transport cost is 3,500 Naira to and from work. If I skip work, the company will deduct 2,000 Naira. It’s better for me to stay home. I can’t kill myself over this,” she explained.
Chioma, who earns 65,000 Naira a month, is considering quitting her job. “My transport alone costs 38,500 Naira. How can I afford food and other necessities? I don’t think I can do this anymore,” she said. Many workers like Chioma are now questioning whether their jobs are worth the cost of commuting.
Abdul, a security guard who works long hours, added, “I used to manage with what I earned, but now most of my pay goes to transport. I’m thinking of moving back to my village. At least there, I won’t spend so much just to get by.”
The overall mood in Abuja, and across Nigeria, is one of sadness and uncertainty. Mercy, who is planning to return to her village, expressed her feelings: “It’s sad that it has come to this. I never thought things would get this bad. I’m going back to my village; at least I’ll have food to eat there.”
Kabiru, a taxi driver, kept his comment short and to the point: “Nigeria has failed us,” he said, shaking his head.
As Nigerians struggle with these new challenges, many are left wondering how much more they can endure. The government’s lack of action or response to the situation only adds to the frustration and fear that things might get worse in the coming weeks. For now, people in Abuja and throughout Nigeria are just trying to survive, hoping for some relief in these difficult times.
