Lagosians and residents of Ogun state are facing a double whammy: fuel scarcity and rising transport fares. This nightmarish combination is disrupting daily activities and livelihoods across the region.
Long queues at gas stations and exorbitant fuel prices are forcing residents like Adeolu Adebayo to dig deeper into their pockets. “The scarcity is unbearable,” Adebayo lamented. “Public transport is our only option, but even that’s become expensive.”
The situation isn’t any better for business owners like Lamidi Hammed. “My car is grounded,” he said, frustrated. “Customers are calling, but I can’t get to them. Even commercial vehicles are charging exorbitant fares because of the fuel shortage.”
Remote workers are not spared either. Akeem Balogun, who relies on a generator due to erratic power supply, is struggling to meet work deadlines. “The fuel scarcity is impacting my ability to work efficiently,” he explained.
Commercial bus drivers are caught in a squeeze. Afeez Adisa says the surge in fuel prices has made it difficult to operate profitably. “We spend most of the day queuing for fuel, and the cost has doubled,” he revealed. “This forces us to raise fares, putting a strain on passengers.”
The desperation for fuel has even driven some residents like Iskilu Jabar to the black market, where prices are even higher at a staggering N1,500 per liter.
The situation is reaching a boiling point, with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) planning a nationwide protest on May 7th to address the fuel scarcity and electricity crisis.
