In what felt like ages, I stood at my usual bus stop on my way to the market to restock my sewing supplies, my first observation was how dry the bus stop was, where all these bike men who would usually struggle among themselves to be the one to carry the passenger available, then I remembered how my dad has complained about the current fuel scarcity in the country that he had to skip driving to church on Sunday, I never took the complain serious until that very moment, of course, because I was affected.
The time spent waiting for any vehicle at all, and when I eventually found one, his charges was super high, 1500 to command! I shouted in disbelief and the look of irritation already plastered on my face, that was more than triple the usual charge. Madam where did you see fuel, he replied in his defense and went ahead to explain his plight, standing in a long queue for hours just to buy fuel which was now sold for 900 naira per liter also more than triple the usual cost since the removal of fuel subsidy and now he has less hours to fend for his family daily bread.
I felt pained knowing that all his explanations were true, also after seeing the long queues myself on my way out because others even charged me higher than him that I had no choice but to choose his own high. The transport system of my community and country at large rather than get improved continues getting worse, from the removal of fuel subsidies which leads to the high cost of fuel and worst still scarcity, which further leads to the hike in transport costs has affected all other aspect of life, the cost of living skyrocketed all due to this very reason, the inflation we currently experience in my country is still very much linked to this same cause.
To make matters worse, there are annoying government tax collectors who I would rather refer to as touts stationed at different bus stops in my community, making life hellish for these transport workers who in turn transfer such aggression to their passengers, this system isn't pleasing at all, that it makes being in a public transport annoying sometimes.
In all, bad roads are another worst-case scenario, the government comes to power with many promises about meeting our needs and constructing roads, but sadly most communities in the country still suffer from bad roads and poor drainage systems which often leaves our roads flooded and unmotorable, especially after a heavy downpour, restricting citizens from movement in such community and also disturbing businesses.
What can be done
From all that I've highlighted, it's not a difficult task to know what needs to be done to sort out transportation problems in the country. I believe since we are already blessed with fuel as one of the refined products of our natural resources, it's only right that the government makes it readily available and affordable for everyone, as it would go a long way in first of all reducing the cost of living and make life easier, reducing the suffering of the Nigerian citizens.
Tax payment should be coordinated properly, and even in a more advanced way, rather than employing the services of touts, and lastly, good road helps reduce accidents therefore limiting untimely death or disability caused by accidents among the citizens.
All images in this post are mine.
