In response to the recent nationwide increase in petrol prices, residents and workers in Borno State, including civil servants, have increasingly turned to trekking, horse riding, bicycles, and tricycles as alternatives to driving.
A tour of Maiduguri, the state capital, revealed a noticeable decrease in vehicles on the roads and an uptick in pedestrians and riders. Graphic designer Dadoon Pam explained that the surge in fuel prices has drastically impacted his work, as he now faces higher costs for charging his clients.
Jeremiah Blessing, an enumerator with The Big Smile Foundation, shared that she now combines walking with tricycle rides due to the fuel price hike, which has caused delays in her commute.
Retired Customs officer Tuja Mai Abba and NGO member Daniel Omolara both reported that they have switched to commercial tricycles due to prohibitive fuel costs. Meanwhile, private school teacher Micheal Johnson has opted for walking and tricycles for shorter distances.
The price of petrol rose to N855 per litre on Tuesday, further straining transportation budgets across the country.
News Editor