News
‘Fuel price hikes have killed our businesses’ — Transporters, artisans lament
Some traders, transport operators and artisans in Umuahia, Abia, have decried the recent hike in the price of the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise called petrol.
Speaking in separate interviews with NAN in Umuahia on Thursday, they expressed the fear that the situation would “definitely kill many businesses.”
They said that the removal of the subsidy was already crippling their businesses and causing untold hardship.
A trader, Chidubem Okoye, said that the situation had caused an immediate lull in business.
Okoye said that the hike in petrol price has made life more difficult for both traders and customers alike.
He said the development would have a negative multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy.
“Yesterday, my supplier in the North called me and asked me to send him more money because the prices of the items I ordered had gone up.
“Once the goods get here by Friday, I will definitely adjust my price to reflect the current reality in the market,” he said.
A tricycle operator, Anayo Udensi, feared that the hike might compel him to quit the transport business.
“When the official pump price of fuel was N600 per litre, we were finding it difficult to cope.
“Now that it has gone up to about N1,000 per litre, I imagine what will happen.
“I operate a hire purchase and if fuel takes almost all the money I make daily, and I settle the owner of the tricycle, how much will be left for me?
“Besides, many people now trek in order to save the N250 or N300 transport fare, which is why we hardly have a full load.”
Also, a hair stylist, Mrs Nkiruka Ejiofor, said that the salon business was no longer attractive and profitable because of the cost of running the generator.
“I spend so much on fuel and when we tell customers our new price, some either go away or ask us to do simple style, like weaving rather than retouching,” she said.
A generator repairer, who identified himself simply as Andy, said that the hike in the price of fuel had dealt a serious blow to his business.
“Since the price hike due to the subsidy removal, many people stopped using generators, which drastically reduced the number of generators we fix daily.
“With the latest price hike, I’m worried because I know that we are in for worse times. In fact, if we get two customers or three per day, we should thank God,” Andy said.
A civil servant, Mrs Priscilla Onyemaechi, said that workers were the worst hit by the price hike, especially since the minimum wage had yet to be implemented.
“It has got to a point where civil servants can no longer go to work every day because of the increase in fares,” she said.
The respondents demanded the immediate reversal of the new price hike and urged President Bola Tinubu to quickly initiate policies to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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