Commercial drivers in Enugu metropolis are lamenting the sharp decline in patronage from residents, which they attribute to the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.
These sentiments were expressed in separate interviews reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has exacerbated the situation, according to the drivers.
Mr. Okwy Ozor shared with NAN that his earnings from the transport business have dwindled since the Federal Government announced the removal of the fuel subsidy and the subsequent rise in fuel prices.
“Business has been tough since the subsidy removal and the fuel price hike,” he stated.
A tricycle rider who wished to remain anonymous explained that the increased fuel cost forced him to raise transportation fares.
“When we started buying petrol at N650, we only slightly increased our fares, but passengers struggled to adjust. Fares that used to be N100 are now N150 or N200, depending on the distance, yet many passengers still insist on paying the old fare.”
“This is why so many people are opting for larger commercial buses, known as 911, which are cheaper than tricycles, while others have taken to trekking,” he added.
Mr. Felix Ujah, a mini-bus driver, emphasized that the fare increases are not the fault of commercial drivers. “We understand our passengers’ struggles, but when you buy N7,000 worth of fuel, it may only last one or two days. Business has been tough since the price hike.”
“Sometimes, you can only make two trips in the morning during school hours, and after that, you’re left picking up just a few passengers until school closes,” he explained.
Is it only in Enugu? In a mono-commodity economy like ours in Nigeria, when you arbitrarily raise the prize or unit costs of the main economic source like petroleum products, expect the response chain to happen down the lines of every business. Bus drivers may groan, how about dealers in other businesses: food stuff dealers, patent medicine and drug dealers, hospital proprietors, hotel operators, etc? Mindless increases of commodity prices midway in the implementation of set economic policies can give rise to ripples in the practice and management of any national economy. Commercial vehicle drivers in Enugu is just an example of the expected.