Abuja's cost-of-living crisis deepens as fuel prices surge by 45%
A sharp rise in fuel prices has pushed up transport fares and living costs across Abuja. Since March 2026, petrol prices in Lagos jumped by 35-45% within weeks, climbing from around 0.55€ to 0.76-0.82€ per litre. The surge follows global oil market disruptions, including the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and has hit businesses and households hard.
The removal of Nigeria's fuel subsidies in 2023 left petrol prices exposed to global shocks. When tensions in the Middle East escalated earlier this year, the cost of filling a tank soared, forcing transport operators to raise fares. Commuters in key areas like Mararaba, Nyanya, Apo, Wuse, and Kubwa now face significantly higher travel expenses.
Businesses are feeling the strain. Benjamin Onah, a spare parts dealer in Apo, says transport costs have cut into his profits. Esther Daniel, a tailor in Garki, notes that customers are delaying non-essential orders while her material and electricity bills keep rising. Madam Grace, a food vendor in Mararaba, reports fewer sales as workers struggle to afford meals. Small operators are particularly vulnerable. Chinedu Okeke, a POS agent in Wuse, spends so much on fuel that some days his earnings barely cover costs. Aisha Sule, a trader in Nyanya, has seen customers asking for smaller portions or postponing payments. With thin profit margins and no financial cushion, many small businesses fear they may not survive further price hikes. Economists warn the situation could spiral. As transport and food costs climb, inflation may deepen, squeezing households and businesses even tighter.
The latest fuel price surge has pushed up fares, food costs, and overheads for traders across Abuja. With no immediate relief in sight, small businesses and low-income households face growing financial pressure. The ripple effects of higher petrol prices are now hitting daily life in Nigeria's capital.
