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The Impact of Fuel Price Hike on Private Car Owners in Nigeria
In recent weeks, the economic landscape of Nigeria has been further strained by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) lifted petrol prices from N897 to N1,030 per litre, significantly intensifying financial challenges for citizens already grappling with a high cost of living.
This latest price hike is poised to escalate poverty levels across the nation, as experts warn of its potential to push more individuals into financial distress. With fuel prices surging by an average of 174.6 percent, the ramifications of this decision are felt throughout various sectors of the economy. The removal of subsidies, coupled with currency depreciation, has contributed to a skyward trajectory in the prices of goods and services.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics highlights the gravity of the situation, revealing that Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to 33.95 percent, with core contributors including transportation and fuel costs. Daily necessities have become increasingly unaffordable, with reports indicating soaring prices for staple items such as rice, which now exceeds N100,000 per bag.
In response to these economic pressures, many private car owners are resorting to converting their vehicles into commercial services. This practice allows them to offset rising fuel costs by charging passengers for transportation, thereby recouping some of their expenses. For instance, Akinolu Olu, a resident of Lugbe who commutes to work in Utako, Abuja, shared how he now charges his neighbors for rides—a stark contrast to his previous practice of offering free transport.
“Before the fuel subsidy removal, I used to transport four of my neighbors without charging them. However, since the price increased, I now charge N700 per person for each trip,” Olu explained.
As this trend of informal commercial driving continues to gain traction, it underscores the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the financial strain on households. Citizens and economists alike are calling for measures to mitigate the economic hardships that have become all too commonplace in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of addressing the escalating cost of living crisis.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Princess Opeyemi Bright was sworn in as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom, assuming the prestigious title of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham at the age of 29.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Princess Bright’s election has been widely lauded as a testament to diversity, youth empowerment, and the increasing global impact of the Nigerian diaspora. Having served as a councillor since the age of 22, her ascent to mayoralty follows a legacy of public service, with her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, previously serving as Civic Mayor of Hackney.
Princess Bright’s success exemplifies a broader trend of Nigerians achieving prominent positions in international governance, joining the ranks of figures like Kemi Badenoch and Chi Onwurah in the UK, and others globally. Her inauguration serves as an encouragement for youth engagement in politics and underscores the vital role young people and women play in shaping public life. This historic achievement offers valuable insights for Nigerian policymakers in diaspora engagement and leadership development initiatives.
Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has recently ignited a debate regarding the necessity of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for university admissions in Nigeria. In a statement posted on her Instagram story, Njoku questioned the need for JAMB and post-UTME, arguing that the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) should be sufficient proof of a candidate’s completion of secondary education.
Her statement comes amidst recent controversy surrounding JAMB, particularly following widespread reports of mass failures in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). While JAMB has admitted to errors and announced retakes for affected candidates, Njoku’s questioning highlights a deeper concern regarding the redundancy and potential inefficiencies within the current university admission process. The actress’s comments add fuel to an existing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the JAMB examination in evaluating a student’s readiness for tertiary education.
South African sensation Tyla is poised to make history as the first African personality to host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Organizers announced the Grammy-winning artist as the host of the 2025 edition, scheduled to air live on June 21st from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Beyond hosting duties, Tyla has also secured two nominations: Favourite Global Music Star and Favourite Music Collaboration for “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, and “bees & honey.”
The nominations list is topped by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga, each receiving four nods. Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Jack Black follow closely behind with three nominations apiece.
Expressing her excitement on X, Tyla simply stated, “I’m really about to host the kids choice awards.” This landmark achievement further solidifies Tyla’s rising star on the global stage.
Princess Opeyemi Bright Inaugurated as Youngest UK Mayor.
Nollywood Actress Questions JAMB’s Relevance in University Admissions.
Tyla to Host 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
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