Transportation costs in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have surged by over 50%, a direct consequence of the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel.The increase comes as fuel prices jumped to between N897 and N980 per liter at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) retail outlets and independent filling stations, up from the previous N617. In some locations, the price has reportedly exceeded N1000, creating a ripple effect on the cost of living in the city.One of the most immediate impacts has been on transportation fares. Bala Muhammed, a resident of Abuja, shared his experience of paying N1000 for a journey from Kubwa to Bannex Bridge, a route that previously cost him N500. This represents a doubling of fares, a pattern that is being observed across the capital.Similarly, Adeola Adebayo, a civil servant, reported paying N1500 for her commute from Zuba to Berger Junction, a significant increase from the previous N1000 fare. "The petrol price increase has impacted the fare. Today, I paid N1,500 to Berger from Zuba instead of N1,000," she said.Ismaila Danjuma, Secretary of the Zuba branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), attributed the steep rise in transport fares to the increase in fuel prices. The strain on both transport workers and commuters is evident, with no relief in sight.Adding to the growing concern, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the recent pump price hike will further exacerbate the nation’s already high inflation rate, which stood at 33.40% in July. The rising cost of fuel is expected to drive up the prices of goods and services across the board, worsening economic conditions for many Nigerians.In response to these developments, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike. Both unions have expressed concerns about the strain this increase places on workers and the wider economy, urging the government to take swift action to ease the burden on citizens.
