Vehicular movements in various parts of Nigeria have significantly decreased, with many roads and streets appearing deserted as both private and commercial vehicle owners have parked their vehicles at home. The decline in vehicular traffic comes as traders and civil servants, who cannot afford the high fares, choose to remain indoors, hoping for a solution to the current situation.
The drop in vehicular movements is a direct consequence of the recent hike in the price of petrol, which has led to a liter of petrol being sold at N568 in major filling stations in Lagos, an increase from the previous N480-N490. The price is even higher, reaching N617, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some places in the far North of Nigeria.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s major cities, has also experienced a significant decline in vehicular traffic on major roads. Only commercial tricycles are seen sparingly, while the number of private vehicles has decreased. At the State Secretariat, which houses most ministries and departments, an increase in the number of grounded vehicles has been observed.
The situation is particularly challenging for civil servants in Kano, where the minimum wage is N30,600. With the cost of filling a tank of an average private car now exceeding N37,000, many individuals and businesses are feeling the impact.
A trader in Kano mentioned that he has stopped bringing goods from the market using commercial vehicles due to high fares. Instead, he now relies on his tricycle, even if it takes multiple trips to transport his goods. Vehicle mechanics in the city are also affected, with a mechanic reporting a significant decrease in car repairs, leaving them with less work.
The impact of the fuel price hike is also evident in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub. Several major roads and highways, including Ojodu-Ogunnusi Road, Ikeja, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and Tollgate, have very few cars plying them. The usually busy 3rd Mainland Bridge is free of traffic gridlock, and other once bustling roads like Agege-Pen Cinema, Iju Road, and Oba Akran Avenue appear deserted.
Lagos residents and business owners are experiencing difficulties due to the increased fuel costs. An artist in Lagos stated that he is unable to leave his house as he used to due to the rising fuel prices. Before, N5,000 worth of fuel would last him two to three days, but now he has to buy N15,000 worth of fuel, which may not even last two days.
The situation continues to affect daily life and economic activities across Nigeria, with many hoping for a resolution to the fuel price hike that has led to the decline in vehicular movements and increased hardship for citizens and businesses.
