Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state, was unusually quiet today as commercial transport operators, including three-wheelers, launched a massive protest against recent fuel price hikes. The protest left thousands of commuters stranded, highlighting the immediate impact of economic policies on daily life.
The protest blocked major routes such as Sango Road and the Post Office axis starting early Thursday morning. The three-wheeler operators, locally known as “Keke Nap”Cyclists were at the forefront, expressing frustration over rising fuel costs that have significantly reduced their income.
Fuel prices in Ilorin have reportedly skyrocketed to between N1,100 and N1,200 per litre, well above the official price of N895 set by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Transport operators say these costs have made operations almost impossible without a significant fare hike, a move that will further burden the public.
Many tricycle operators have voiced their concerns, with one lamenting that higher fuel prices have driven away customers who cannot afford the new fares, leaving operators barely able to cover fuel costs. There are calls for the government to cap fuel prices at N600 per litre to keep them afloat.
In response, the Kwara state government has introduced free buses to help ease the transport crisis, although this measure only partially addresses the urgent needs of the people, many still find it difficult to move around the city.
The protests also affected local businesses, with some shop owners closing early to avoid escalation and looting, underscoring the broader economic impact of rising fuel prices.
The strike in Ilorin reflects broader discontent across Nigeria, where fuel price hikes often trigger protests due to their direct impact on transportation costs and subsequently the cost of goods and services. The government’s removal of fuel subsidies, aimed at reducing public debt and redirecting funds to areas such as health and education, has faced opposition from sectors such as transport, which are directly affected.
As the day wore on, there was no sign of the protests abating, with transporters calling on the government to intervene to stabilize fuel prices. The situation in Ilorin is emblematic of the challenges facing many Nigerian cities, where economic policies have a direct and immediate impact on the livelihoods of the working class.
