Commercial drivers in Enugu metropolis are facing tough times as economic challenges continue to take a toll on their business. The drivers, in separate interviews, lamented a sharp decline in patronage, which they attribute to the ongoing financial struggles of residents and the ripple effects of government policies.
The recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, has been a major factor affecting their operations. Following the removal of the fuel subsidy and subsequent hikes in fuel prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), drivers have been forced to adjust fares, further straining relationships with their passengers.
Mr. Okwy Ozor, a commercial driver, disclosed that his earnings have significantly dwindled since the subsidy removal. "Business has been tough since the subsidy removal and the fuel price hike," he explained. According to him, the cost of operating a transport business has skyrocketed, leaving drivers with little profit after expenses.
A tricycle rider who preferred anonymity corroborated these sentiments. He noted that the hike in fuel prices has left many drivers with no option but to increase fares. "When we started buying petrol at N650 per liter, we slightly increased fares, but passengers struggled to adjust. Fares that used to be N100 are now N150 or N200, depending on the distance, yet many passengers insist on paying the old fare," he said.
He further observed that many residents now opt for more affordable means of transportation or resort to trekking. "Larger commercial buses, known as 911, are cheaper than tricycles, and many passengers prefer them. Those who can't afford the new fares are left with no choice but to walk."
Mr. Felix Ujah, a mini-bus driver, echoed similar frustrations. He explained that despite their understanding of passengers' financial struggles, drivers are also grappling with the rising costs of fuel and maintenance. "When you buy N7,000 worth of fuel, it may only last one or two days," he stated. He described how the flow of passengers has been erratic, particularly outside peak hours. "Sometimes, you can only make two trips in the morning during school hours, and after that, you're left picking up just a few passengers until school closes."
The plight of Enugu's commercial drivers underscores the broader impact of the current economic policies on everyday Nigerians. As residents struggle to adapt to rising costs, transportation operators find themselves at the crossroads of survival and service delivery, with no immediate relief in sight.
