The constant rise in fuel prices across Nigeria is taking a heavy toll on citizens, with the latest increase pushing many workers to either resign from their jobs or resort to sleeping at their workplaces to manage skyrocketing transportation costs.
In 2023 alone, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has adjusted petrol prices twice, raising them from N617 to N855 and N950 in Lagos, with prices exceeding N1,000 in other states. These increases have had a ripple effect, driving up market prices and transportation costs, leaving many Nigerians struggling to cope.
For some workers, the burden has become unbearable. Mr. Dotun Owoyemi, who commuted from the mainland to his job on the Island, saw his daily transportation costs surge from N800 to as much as N3,000. “I earn a five-figure salary, and almost half of it now goes to transportation,” he lamented, adding that this prompted his decision to resign, as his salary could no longer sustain the rising expenses.
Similarly, Miss Sandra Douglas from Port Harcourt left her job after transportation costs swallowed more than half of her salary. “I spent N52,000 monthly on transport for a job that didn’t pay N100,000. I couldn’t even feed myself,” she said.
The situation is just as dire for healthcare workers like Mrs. Dorcas Chukwuma, a midwife who worked in Marina but quit due to the tripling cost of commuting. “Several of us resigned because we were spending all our salaries on transport,” she shared. The rising cost of fuel has also caused food and service prices to soar, further compounding the economic struggles of everyday Nigerians.
In extreme cases, some workers have found themselves living in their offices to save money. Mr. Tunde Ayeni, who works in Lekki, now sleeps at his workplace during the week, only returning home on weekends. His daily transport costs doubled within two weeks of the price hike, making it impossible for him to afford commuting on his salary.
Amid these hardships, Nigerians are increasingly voicing frustration over the government’s policy decisions, which seem disconnected from the struggles of the masses. “This fuel price increase has introduced more poverty in the country,” said Mrs. Chukwuma, echoing the sentiments of many.
As living costs continue to rise, workers across the country are left to navigate an economy that shows little sign of easing its grip on their livelihoods.
