The removal of fuel subsidy has greatly affected the citizens of Nigeria as the number of commuters and motorists who use the road regularly is much. However, the removal of fuel subsidy has not been implemented by the government of President Bola Tinubu, yet the prices of petrol skyrocketed the same day the new president was elected into office.

Looking at the hardship in the country, one would ask what measures the current government is putting in place to reduce the economic hardship felt by its citizens. With the ongoing hike in fuel prices, the government is still silent about managing the crisis. We shouldn’t forget that TUC suspended the strike action which was to kick off on the 7th of June 2023.

Aside from that, ride-hailing drivers embarked on a strike in the early hours of Wednesday making it a very terrible one for people who use their commercial services.

Moreover, states like Lagos have been feeling the major heat at this time as they have high populations. Certainly, in this article, we’ll be looking at Lagos as the region that will feel the removal of fuel subsidy.

A Case Study of Lagos and Why It Will Be the Major Heat for the Removal of Fuel Subsidy

Lagos state population is reported to have about 15,946,000  marking a 3.63% growth rate. With these statistics, it is also recorded that about 12 million people commute every day both on the mainland and island. The removal of fuel subsidy has caused a hike in the price of fuel and affected both transporters and even those who use their services daily. 

Let’s look at factors that make Lagos the major receiver of the removal of fuel subsidy.

High Population

High population is one of the problems affecting Lagosians with Lagos ranking as the most populated state in Nigeria. The removal of fuel subsidy will greatly affect millions of Lagosians because as the prices of fuel go up, the same way the cost of transportation increases.

Poor Regulation of Fuel Prices

Poor regulation of fuel prices has been one factor in the hike in petroleum prices. It's said that since Bola Tinubu came into office, the prices have been up and running. From the office of the presidency, it’s known that the President hasn’t signed the removal of fuel subsidy into law yet marketers went forward to increase their prices giving room for irregularities.

Ride-Halling Drivers Strike

On the 7th of June 2023, ride-hailing drivers went on a nationwide strike. AUATWON is requesting that ride-hailing businesses raise their rates by a minimum of 200%. In addition to this, the union is requesting a drop in commission of 50%; both Uber and Bolt take a 20% cut of each ride's fee as their commission. Furthermore, the union wants an end to the deactivation of drivers who refuse to work owing to the low rates and the attendant unprofitability. This strike will greatly affect Lagosians who use their services.

The only factor that makes Lagos the major heat of the removal of fuel subsidy is the state population. Aside from that, the state is going through what other states are going through.