The recent removal of fuel subsidy has had a severe impact on the residents of Benue State, particularly civil servants who are now facing increased transportation costs. The sudden surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has forced many to forgo going to the office altogether. This hardship caused by subsidy removal is not limited to civil servants but also affects farmers, consumers, businessmen, and women.
In an interview with leadership news reporter in Makurdi, an anonymous civil servant shared her struggles, revealing that her inability to afford the increased rent has put her at risk of being evicted from her home. With no means of paying up, she finds it challenging to convince her landlord to grant her more time. The rising fuel and food prices have left her with no choice but to refrain from going to the office until she starts receiving her salary alerts.
Torngu Answem, a rice farmer, voiced his concerns about the subsidy removal’s impact on his livelihood. He explained that he can no longer afford to fuel his car and tractor to reach his farm, which is located about 150 kilometers away. Answem appealed to the government at all levels to support farmers to prevent potential food shortages in the coming year.
Mercy Oyale, a businesswoman involved in roasting maize and trading various produce, expressed her frustration at the lack of profitability due to the increased pump price of PMS. She mentioned the significant rise in prices for goods like tomatoes and pepper, making it difficult for her to generate profits. Oyale emphasized the need for government assistance to enable small-scale business owners to thrive, as most of them operate with borrowed funds.
Observations made by reporters revealed that a majority of workers in the state, especially those on essential duties, have resorted to walking to their offices due to the limited availability of transportation. Trunk ‘A’ roads and other routes within the state are noticeably devoid of vehicles. Even Wurukum Market, typically bustling with activity and gridlock, now stands deserted as many town service buses remain idle due to the lack of passengers.