Tricyclists in Enugu State, commonly known as Keke operators, are expressing deep concerns over the escalating cost of fuel and its detrimental impact on their livelihoods.
The operators claim that the high fuel prices are making their work increasingly unprofitable, as they struggle to meet their financial targets.
The challenge began after President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a move initially praised for its long-term benefits. However, the immediate aftermath has been harsh, with many Nigerians grappling with soaring living costs. This has particularly hit hard on commercial tricycle operators who are now facing a drastic reduction in passenger numbers due to fare hikes.
Sebastian Nweke, an operator from Afikpo in Ebonyi State, reported purchasing fuel at N1,250 per litre and spending N12,000 for the day. Despite this, he has only managed to earn N5,000, as passengers cut back on travel to save money. “We are essentially working for nothing,” Nweke lamented.
Similarly, Chigbo Ossai, who operates along the Abakpa-Timber-T-junction route, explained that fare increases have led to passengers demanding reductions or opting to walk parts of their journey. He added that many operators, who acquired their Kekes through hire purchase, are feeling the financial strain as the sellers show little sympathy for their plight.
A visible consequence of the crisis is seen in the number of passengers opting to walk. One such passenger, a civil servant, shared, “I can’t adjust my limited income to the rising transportation costs, so I walk to save money. It’s not ideal, but it’s a necessary adjustment.”
The broader cost of living crisis has sparked nationwide protests, with citizens calling for measures to mitigate the impact of government policies. In Enugu, tricycle operators are particularly vocal about their struggles, fearing that they might be forced out of business. Pastor Thomas Eze has urged prominent Nigerians and stakeholders to address the issue, stating, “President Bola Tinubu is not above all Nigerians. Why are key figures staying silent while people are suffering?”
