Fuel Subsidy Removal Bites: Horses Replace Cars in Borno

Borno Residents Trade Cars for Horses

“The government is confusing us about this issue of fuel subsidy and availability...”

Borno State residents adapt to petrol price hike by ditching vehicles for trekking, horse riding, and tricycles, citing unaffordable transportation costs and fuel prices that have surged to N855 per litre.

Following the nationwide petrol price hike on September 3, Borno State residents, including civil servants, have largely abandoned their vehicles. They now prefer trekking, horse riding, or using bicycles and tricycles for transportation.

In Maiduguri, the state capital, a significant decrease in vehicle traffic was observed on September 5. Instead, major roads saw a surge in pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists, indicating a shift in transportation preferences.

A pedestrian expressed concern over the soaring transportation costs, stating that tricycle fares have almost doubled due to the petrol price hike implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), leaving commuters with heavier financial burdens.

He said, “This fuel price hike has affected me terribly because as a graphic designer, I need electricity to make my design. Now that we depend solely on fuel to work, this increase means I now have to charge my clients more. Though it will be bad for business, I don't have any option as we speak.”

Maiduguri resident splits commute to save costs, walking halfway and taking tricycle the rest of the way.

She says, “What I do now is to break my movement, trek to a point, then take Keke from there. Since the hike in fuel prices, it has not been easy because I go to work late almost every day. Sometimes, I stand up to 10 to 30 minutes before seeing a tricycle going towards my direction because many riders have packed their tricycle due to the price increase.”

A retired Customs officer in Maiduguri has switched to commercial tricycles, finding them more cost-effective than his personal vehicle, especially for short distances.

“The government is confusing us about this issue of fuel subsidy and availability. You hear one story today and another story tomorrow. It is seriously affecting me, I have abandoned my car for a while now,” he said.

A resident of the state capital also said, “Since I brought my car down to Maiduguri, I have never for one day left it at home to go to work. But today, if I try to drive that car out, I may push it back home. There is no money to buy fuel at that rate. Honestly, N5,000 fuel can no longer take me a day. Where will I be getting such money from?”

Some Maiduguri residents have turned to trekking and tricycles as fares skyrocket, making these options more budget-friendly.

“My school is not too far, I went there today on my own foot. Although we haven't resumed, if it persists after resumption, I will learn to wake up earlier,” he said.

The petrol pump price was increased to N855 per litre on Tuesday, with varying prices at NNPCL stations nationwide.

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