Fuel Price Surge Forces Borno Residents to Rely on Horses and Bicycles

The recent increase in petroleum pump prices has led to significant changes in transportation habits among residents of Maiduguri, Borno State. In response to the price hikes, many have abandoned their vehicles in favor of alternative modes of transport such as trekking, horse riding, bicycles, and tricycles.

A tour of Maiduguri on Thursday morning revealed a noticeable drop in the number of vehicles on the roads, with a rise in pedestrian traffic and the use of alternative transport.

Dadoon Pam, a graphic designer, shared that the fuel price increase has severely impacted his work. As a graphic designer who relies on electricity generated from fuel, he has been forced to raise his fees to cover the increased costs. “The price has affected me terribly,” Pam said. “Now, I have to charge my clients more. Although it will be bad for business, I don’t have an option.”

Jeremiah Blessing, an enumerator with an NGO, described her new routine of breaking up her journey by trekking part of the way before boarding a tricycle. She noted that the hike in fuel prices has caused delays, with tricycles becoming less available and more expensive. “I go to work late almost every day,” Blessing said. “Sometimes, I stand up to 30 minutes before finding a tricycle.”

Retired customs officer Tuja Mai Abba reported switching from using his car to relying on commercial tricycles. He expressed frustration over the government’s handling of fuel subsidy issues and availability. “The government is confusing us,” Abba said. “I have abandoned my car for now.”

Daniel Omolara, a member of an NGO, lamented the high cost of fuel, which has made it unfeasible for him to use his car. “Honestly, 5,000 Naira worth of fuel no longer lasts a day,” Omolara said. “I simply can’t afford it.”

Micheal Johnson, a private school teacher, has taken to trekking and cycling due to the increased fare prices of tricycles. “My school is not too far,” Johnson said. “I walked there today. If this persists after resumption, I will need to wake up earlier.”

The recent price adjustment has seen pump prices rise to N855, N918, and higher per liter at NNPC stations across the country, contributing to the widespread shift in transportation patterns in Maiduguri.