The rising cost of fuel in Nigeria is driving significant lifestyle changes among civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as highlighted by a recent News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey.
Many public sector employees now leave their private vehicles at home, opting for public transportation to manage expenses better.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ekwere (a pseudonym), a civil servant, mentioned that sustaining her car on her current salary had become unfeasible.
She disclosed spending at least N100,000 on fuel weekly, forcing her to reduce the number of days she commutes to work to avoid financial strain. “We go to work two times a week now, depending on schedules,” she added, noting that even with adjustments, her budget remains tight.
Similarly, Mr. Festus Ugwu, another public servant, stated that he now reserves the use of his vehicle for Sundays, primarily to transport his family to church.
Although concerned about safety issues linked to public transportation, such as ‘one chance’ robbery incidents, Ugwu finds public transport the only viable way to manage costs. He called on the government to increase wages and allowances to ease the pressure on workers. “Driving a car has become a luxury,” he said.
Caroline Ade, also working in the civil service, observed that Nigerians are now adopting transportation habits similar to those abroad, where many rely on public systems like trains. She urged the government to invest in revitalizing Nigeria’s train network to provide a sustainable alternative.
Mr. Emeka Eluagu expressed hope that the government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative could alleviate the transportation burden if fully implemented and well-supported. He emphasized the importance of government backing to ensure the program’s success in reducing fuel dependency.
These testimonies reflect the growing financial pressures on citizens and the need for immediate policy responses to cushion the impact of high fuel prices on workers.
