Nigerians Spend Most of Their Income on Transport Amid Fuel Price Surge

Nigerians are facing financial strain as rising fuel prices push transport costs to record highs. Commuters report that getting to work, school, or markets now consumes the majority of their earnings, leaving little for essentials like food and healthcare.

With petrol prices nearing ₦1,450 per litre and diesel even higher, transport fares have increased sharply. Some workers say they now spend over 80% of their monthly income on transportation alone, significantly reducing their ability to save or cover other basic needs.

Business owners and labour groups are calling on the government to intervene, warning that continued fuel price hikes are driving up the cost of doing business and pushing up food and commodity prices nationwide. Without relief measures, economic hardship for many households is expected to worsen.