Fuel Price Hike: How persons with disabilities pay more to move around

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are facing higher transportation costs after petrol prices surged, reaching between N1,400 and N1,450 per litre in parts of Abuja and other major Nigerian cities. This price hike has exacerbated the financial burden on PWDs, who often lack accessible alternatives to public transport. Chris Agbo, Chairman of the National Association of Persons With Physical Disabilities, explained that unlike able-bodied individuals, PWDs cannot easily walk short distances or use less expensive modes of transport.

For him, even brief journeys that wouldn't cost other commuters can be an additional expense. Musa Muazu Musa, another PWD, recounted the necessity of paying for two seats on public transport to accommodate his wheelchair, illustrating how mobility aids can increase travel expenses. Visually impaired commuters also face greater challenges, as they frequently need to pay for an accompanying caregiver.

These additional costs underscore the difficulties PWDs encounter when accessing essential services such as workplaces, schools, hospitals, and government offices. The rise in fuel prices not only adds to transportation expenses but also raises concerns about the implementation of Nigeria's disability rights framework, which aims to ensure equal participation for individuals with disabilities.

Disability advocates have long advocated for accessible transportation and infrastructure to empower PWDs in their economic and social activities. While the issue of rising fuel costs may seem minor to some, for PWDs, it represents the added burden of simply moving from one place to another due to their disability.