Enugu Drivers Express Discontent as Residents Opt for Walking

In recent developments within the Enugu metropolis, a number of commercial drivers have articulated their concerns regarding a significant decline in patronage from local residents.

This downturn in business has been attributed to the prevailing economic challenges that are currently afflicting the nation.

These sentiments were expressed during a series of interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on the previous day.

The drivers have pointed to a particularly troubling factor contributing to their plight: the recent escalation in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, as instituted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

This increase has exacerbated the already precarious situation faced by those in the transportation sector, leading to a further reduction in their customer base.

Mr. Okwy Ozor, a commercial driver who shared his insights with NAN, indicated that the profitability of his transport business has diminished considerably since the Federal Government’s announcement regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy.

This policy shift, coupled with the subsequent rise in fuel prices, has created a challenging environment for drivers who rely heavily on fuel for their operations.

“Driving business has not been moving fine since the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent increase in the price of fuel,” he said.

Additionally, a tricycle operator, who requested anonymity, conveyed that the surge in fuel prices has compelled him to raise transportation fares.

This adjustment, while necessary for maintaining operational viability, may further deter potential passengers, thereby contributing to the overall decline in ridership within the region.

“When we started buying petrol for N650, 00, we only increased transport fare a little and passengers were finding it difficult to pay. Where we used to collect N100 we increased it to N150, 00 or N200 depending on the distance, but passengers will still wanted to pay the old fare.

“That is why these days many people prefer to enter the big commercial buses, popularly called 911 which is cheaper than the tricycle while many have resorted to trekking,” he told NAN.

In summary, the combination of economic hardship and rising fuel costs has led to a notable shift in transportation dynamics in Enugu, prompting residents to resort to walking as a means of navigating the city.

The implications of these changes are significant, not only for the commercial drivers but also for the broader community, as they reflect the ongoing challenges faced by many in the current economic climate.

Mr Felix Ujah, a mini-bus driver, said; “that it was not the fault of the commercial drivers that the transportation fare had increase. It is not that we, commercial drivers, do not understand the plight of the passengers, but because sometimes if you buy N7000 worth of fuel it will not take you for more than one or two days. So business has been bad for us since they increased fuel price.

“Sometimes you will only go two rounds in the morning due school hours and after that, one can only pick few passengers until closing school hours,” he said.