Author(s)

COMFORT CHATENGU MAIGUWA, KIM IDOMA, BENJAMIN MAINA, DANIEL ADAMU

Abstract

The removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria in May 2023 triggered a sharp increase in fuel prices, with profound consequences for transportation and mobility in the Gombe Metropolis. Fuel prices experienced a dramatic surge, increasing from about ₦357 ($0.56) per litre in May 2023 to over ₦1,489 ($1.00) by December 2024, and later stabilizing at approximately ₦1,020 ($0.66) in September 2025. These rising costs have significantly reshaped residents’ commuting patterns, mobility choices and socio-economic wellbeing. This study investigated the implications of the subsidy removal on transportation mode choice among Gombe residents. A cross-sectional survey of 400 respondents was conducted using structured questionnaires and the data were analysed using descriptive and comparative statistics. The analysis focused on changes in fuel prices, shifts in modal choice, socio-economic effects and coping strategies adopted by households. Findings revealed a substantial reduction in private car use from 55% before the subsidy removal to 30% after. Conversely, the use of public transport increased from 27.5% to 39.7%, while carpooling doubled from 10% to 20%. Walking and cycling also recorded slight increases, as residents turned to more affordable and sustainable means of travel. The socio-economic effects indicated 75% of respondents reported higher transportation costs, 62.5% experienced increased household expenditure shares and 50% suffered stress from commuting time delays. Coping mechanisms included increased use of public transport (11.3%), reduced non-essential travel (13.5%) and decreased reliance on private vehicles (21.3%). Averagely, each respondent employed about 1.83 adjustment strategies. The study concludes that subsidy removal has increased dependence on public and shared transport while reducing reliance on private vehicles. However, these adjustments constrained access to opportunities and heightened economic pressures. To promote sustainable mobility, the study recommends improving the affordability and efficiency of public transportation, providing targeted support for vulnerable populations, encouraging ride-sharing, and investing in non-motorized transport infrastructure.

Keywords

Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, fuel price increase, public transportation, private vehicles, mobility, fuel subsidy, mode choice of transportation, coping strategies