Borno Residents Shift to Alternative Transportation Amid Rising Fuel Prices....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The recent surge in petroleum pump prices has prompted many residents in Borno State, including civil servants, to abandon their vehicles in favor of alternative modes of transportation. As of Tuesday, individuals have increasingly turned to trekking, horse riding, bicycles, and tricycles for their daily commutes.

During a visit to Maiduguri, the state capital, on Thursday morning, it was evident that the number of vehicles on the roads had significantly decreased. Instead, more pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists filled the major streets, adapting to the new reality of transportation costs.

Dadoon Pam, a graphic designer, expressed his frustrations with the situation. He noted that the rising costs of mobility have affected his work significantly. “The cost of getting around has nearly doubled since the price hike,” he explained. “As a graphic designer, I rely heavily on electricity for my work, which depends on fuel. This increase means I have to charge my clients more, which could harm my business. Unfortunately, I have no other choice at the moment.”

Jeremiah Blessing, an enumerator with a non-governmental organization, shared her adjusted commuting strategy. “Now, I break my journey into two parts: I trek halfway and then take a tricycle,” she said. “The hike in fuel prices has made it difficult to arrive at work on time. Sometimes, I wait 10 to 30 minutes just to find a tricycle because many riders have parked their vehicles due to the increased costs.”

Tuja Mai Abba, a retired customs officer, mentioned that he has switched to using commercial tricycles for shorter distances to save money. “The government is sending mixed signals about fuel subsidies and availability. I hear one story today and another tomorrow, and it’s seriously affecting me,” he stated. “I have decided to leave my car at home for now.”

Daniel Omolara, another member of a non-governmental organization, voiced similar sentiments. “Since I brought my car to Maiduguri, I have never left it at home to go to work. However, now, if I drive my car, I might just have to push it back home because I can’t afford the fuel,” he lamented. “Five thousand Naira for fuel doesn’t even last a day anymore. It’s becoming impossible to manage.”

Micheal Johnson, a private school teacher at D’littles International Maiduguri, has also opted for trekking and cycling due to the steep increase in tricycle fares. “My school is close, so I walked there today. If this continues after school resumes, I will have to start waking up earlier to adjust,” he remarked.

As of Tuesday, the pump price of fuel had risen to N855, N918, and even higher per litre, depending on the location, particularly at NNPC stations across the country. This escalation in fuel prices has drastically altered commuting habits in Borno State, forcing residents to find new ways to navigate their daily lives.