Hardship Takes Toll: FCT Residents Express Frustration Over Daily Struggles

Hardship Takes Toll: FCT Residents Express Frustration Over Daily Struggles

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed their frustrations over skyrocketing transport fares, which have severely limited their mobility and impacted personal and business activities……CONTINUE READING 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents highlighted that the primary challenge they face is the scarcity of fuel, despite its rising costs. Many filling stations are reportedly out of fuel, leading to increased transportation expenses.

Residents are urging the Federal Government and relevant authorities to urgently address this situation, as many Nigerians are struggling and feeling increasingly desperate.

Mrs. Rebecca Solomon, a civil servant, called on the government to fulfill its promise of providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for commuters, stating that these vehicles would significantly alleviate the high transportation costs affecting all sectors. “Nigerians were hopeful when President Bola Tinubu announced plans for these buses. We have been waiting for the promised relief but have yet to see any buses. We need divine intervention, as the current situation is dire. Many people are suffering and dying,” she said.

Nurse Godson Edache pointed out that the sharp rise in the cost of essential goods is particularly hard on residents, and he believes that reducing transportation fares is critical. “Transportation is vital, as it influences nearly every sector. The escalating transport costs have strained my budget, making it challenging to afford daily commuting,” he explained. He noted that even the clinic he works at has seen a decline in patient visits due to rising drug prices and unaffordable treatment.

Mr. Gabriel Ojo, a desk officer, lamented the impracticality of using his car due to high fuel prices. “I feel like I’ve forgotten I own a car because I can’t afford to use it. It seems that fuel stations might be hoarding supplies to create scarcity and raise prices. I’ve had to abandon my car and resort to taking cabs, which is all I can afford right now,” he said. “The situation is deteriorating daily, and the economy is not improving.”

Student Agnes Goja shared her experience of having to walk to school since her aunt, a petty trader with three children, can no longer afford to give her transport money. “My aunt used to help with my transport costs, but now she can barely manage to feed us and pay our school fees,” she explained.

Miss Abiba Sule, a trader, noted that her mobile business, which required traveling to various ministries to sell her goods, has suffered significantly. “I cannot afford shop rent, so I rely on moving from one place to another. Business has slowed down dramatically, with rising costs and fewer customers. Right now, two of my children are home because I can’t afford their school fees. The government needs to assist us to improve our economy; otherwise, we will all suffer from hunger and poverty,” she said.

Mr. Festis Azubuike, a teacher, also criticized the high cost of living but praised Nigerians for their resilience. “We are incredibly brave and resourceful people. No matter what happens, we find ways to adapt and survive. The government and stakeholders must work together to develop policies that provide long-term solutions to our issues,” he urged.