Some operators of tricycles, popularly called Keke in Enugu State have lamented the adverse effects high cost of fuel is having on their operations
The operators said they “now labour in vain” as they are unable to meet up with their targets.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had during his inauguration announced the removal of fuel subsidy.
Although he was commended for the step, the ensuing high cost of living has put many Nigerians on the brink of poverty.
As a result, some commercial tricycle operators, who spoke with THE WHISTLER complained of low passengers due to increased fare, which makes the recovery of the money they use to buy PMS impossible.
Sebastian Nweke, who is from Afikpo in Ebonyi State, said, “I bought a litre at N1,250. I bought N12,000 worth of fuel in the morning. Since this morning till this evening, I have not gotten N5,000.
“People don’t come out anymore. Many people now walk to save money. It means we are labouring in vain,” he lamented.
Also speaking, Chigbo Ossai operates along the Abakpa-Timber-T-junction axis explained that, “Before the increase in the pump price, we were charging N100 per drop. When it became around N700, we increased it to N150. When it got to N1,000, the fare became N200.
“But many passengers now prefer to work midway into the road, then demand a reduction in the fare.
“We are suffering because some of us got our Keke through hire purchase. The sellers don’t care about the problems we currently face,” he said.
THE WHISTLER saw some passengers walking home. One of them, a mother and civil servant, said, “I’m a civil servant. I can’t adjust my meagre income to the rising cost of transportation. I can walk from my office at Parklane to the Golf Estate where I live.
“I’m gradually getting used to it. I’m also getting healthier. The problem is that my shoes are getting worn out. I now wear slippers, and change to shoes when I get to the office.”
THE WHISTLER reports that the cost of living crisis which is being blamed on energy cost led to the nationwide August protest. Nigerians who staged protests called for measures to cushion the effects of government policies on Nigerians.
But for the Keke operators in Enugu, the business environment has become even more difficult with many lamenting that they may go out of business.
Speaking to that effect, a pastor, Thomas Eze, appealed to eminent Nigerians to intervene.
According to him, “President Bola Tinubu is not above all Nigerians. How come religious leaders, elders and key stakeholders are keeping quiet? Nigerians are dying.”
High Cost Of Petrol Affecting Operations, Enugu Tricyclists Lament is first published on The Whistler Newspaper