Fuel Price Hike: Lagos Workers Adopt Shift Operations; Residents Lament Plights

 

Following the sudden increment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, known as petrol from N488 to between N568 and N617 per litre, civil servants in Lagos state have resorted to shifting operations across board to cushion the effect of the increment. 

Consequently, most private vehicle owners in Lagos have decided to board public transportation to their offices and various destinations with the erstwhile gridlock often witnessed across Lagos metropolis reduced drastically in recent times as most of the highways visited witnessed free flow of traffic across the state. 

Most of the areas visited include Egbeda-Iyana-Ipaja-Dopemu-Ikeja-Oshodi axis; Ikotun-Isolo axis; Agege-Yaba-Ikorodu Road-CMS-Ikoyi axis, among others.

Also, residents have been left with no choice but to resort to trekking as means of transportation due to hikes in fares, with many unable to afford the exorbitant fares.

The metropolis, which is like a ghost town compared to the sea-of-cars-on-the-road it was known for, has continued to witness commuters trekking to their various destinations on a daily basis. The inability to cope with the rising transport fares has forced people from different walks of life to embark on long walks despite the scorching sun.

Commercial buses and taxis have recorded a considerable drop in patronage, as more commuters have taken to alternative commercial transportation like Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, and trekking. particularly, short-distance journeys.

This development is being felt across various sectors. Lagos civil servants are not left out in the hardship as most of them have embarked on shift operations to reduce the financial impact. 

While the government has acknowledged the concerns raised by the public regarding the fuel price hike, immediate relief for residents remains elusive. The situation has prompted calls for urgent intervention to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians and to alleviate the burden of transportation costs.

As residents of Lagos continue to adapt to the new reality of trekking long distances, many are yearning for a relief package in the much expected “palliative” as promised by President Bola Tinubu- led Federal Government to address, cushion the fuel price crisis and restore affordable transportation options for all citizens. 

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