Some residents of Lafia have decried the rising cost of transportation following the continuous increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews on Friday, said the development had worsened economic hardship and made daily commuting difficult for workers, students and traders.
Mrs Grace Yakubu, a civil servant, said the increase in transport fares was affecting her monthly budget.
“Before now, I spent about N800 daily on transportation, but now I spend over N1,500. It is becoming difficult to cope,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Sani, a student, said many students had resorted to trekking short distances to reduce transportation costs.
“Transport fare from my area to school increased from N200 to N400. Sometimes, I have to walk because I cannot afford it every day,” he said.
Mr Daniel Ochiga, a commercial driver, attributed the increase in transport fares to the rising cost of petrol and vehicle maintenance.
Similarly, Mr Sunday James, another commercial driver, said transport operators were struggling to remain in business.
“Fuel is expensive, engine oil is costly and even spare parts are no longer affordable. We increase fares because we also want to survive,” he said.
Also, Mr Musa Adamu, a tricycle operator, said many operators now spent most of their daily earnings on fuel.
“At the end of the day, little or nothing remains after buying fuel. Passengers complain, but we have no choice,” he said.
A resident, Mr Breakthrough Israel, urged the Federal Government to introduce measures to ease the burden on citizens.
Israel called for improved public transportation systems and policies aimed at stabilising fuel prices to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Arikya, Secretary of Yahaya Sabo Motor Park in Lafia, said transport fares had increased significantly in recent weeks due to the high cost of fuel.
According to him, the situation has also led to a reduction in the number of passengers using the park.
“The park is no longer as busy as it used to be because many people can no longer afford the fares,” he said.
NAN
