Pumped Up Prices

When it comes to transportation, one of the challenges facing my country is the high cost of fuel. The price of fuel is making it difficult for people to afford transportation. In my country, the economic, political, and other sectors are in shambles, but sadly, no one is doing anything about it. About 2 years ago, before the presidential election, things were not so bad. Of course, things were bad, but they weren't as bad as they are now. Nigerians wanted a savior. Nigerians cried for a “Godot” who would come to save them from the pangs of suffering. Unfortunately, the wrong “godot” won the election, and that marked the beginning of extreme suffering.

Almost all the sectors are in poor condition, and the transportation aspect is no exception. It all started when the president decided to remove fuel subsidies. In simple terms, a subsidy is when the government decides to pay a certain percentage on products or services. For example, the rice of a bike is $100, subsidy is when the government pays 30% off it, making it more affordable for people to purchase. Now, the removal of fuel subsidies means the government decided to increase the price of fuel. Before the fuel subsidy removal, so many Nigerians complained bitterly about the price of fuel, and the whole country turned upside down when the government finally removed fuel subsidies. The price of goods became high, and more importantly, the price of transportation skyrocketed. I remember when I first gained admission into the university. The transportation fare from my school to my house was 1500 (about 1 dollar), but now, the price has tripled. The most annoying part is that commercial drivers sometimes take advantage of this to rip people off.

I remember I was in school when this whole fuel subsidy removal started. It began on the last day of exams. Usually, after exams, most students would rush to go home. We finished exams on a Friday, and the next day, almost everyone packed their bags to go home. It was as if we all planned it. That morning, there were many students on the road looking for public transport to go home. Unfortunately, it was at the same time that the price of fuel skyrocketed, causing transportation fees to double. The drivers also took advantage of the situation to exploit students. That day was a survival of the fittest.

We fought to enter the bus like our lives depended on it. Some people even got injured. After standing for more than 3 hours, my friends and I struggled to get into the car. More like “We wrestled our way in.” When we got in, the transportation fare the driver collected was almost triple the price it used to be. We couldn't say anything about it because we had no other option.

The price of fuel is one of the issues we are facing in my area, and that is why most people don’t travel like they used to. If you have a private car, it is better to travel in it than use public transport. Those drivers are reckless and inconsiderate. Plus, it is uncomfortable Growing up, I thought I hated traveling. I'd always complain whenever my mom and I traveled to go see granny. Every time, I wish we could just teleport to our destination back. My parents and siblings, on the other hand, enjoyed traveling. I've always been the odd one- the black cat. No matter how or where we traveled, my siblings always seemed to enjoy the journey. But as I grew older, I realized that I don't detest traveling, just traveling by public transport.

Summarily, one of the problems with transportation where I live is the price of fuel. I've been hearing news that the government is planning to return fuel subsidies, and I hope they get it done soon.

Thanks for reading.