FCT Women Turn Private Cars into Commercial Taxis Amid Rising Cost of Living
Many women living in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun converting their personal vehicles into informal taxis, popularly known as “kabu-kabu,” as they search for additional sources of income amid rising living costs.
The development, observed across several parts of the capital city Abuja, highlights the growing economic pressure facing many households. Female drivers are increasingly seen at busy junctions, bus stops, and roadside pickup points where they transport commuters heading to various parts of the city.
Several of the women who spoke about the trend explained that the decision was largely driven by rising fuel prices, increasing transportation costs, and mounting family expenses.
Mrs. Jane Nwaogara, one of the drivers participating in the informal transport system, said she started carrying passengers after realizing that her regular income could no longer meet her household needs.
According to her, the rising pump price of petrol has significantly affected the cost of living and placed additional financial pressure on families.
“The economic hardship is biting hard,” Nwaogara explained. “I have so many bills to pay including my children’s school fees, feeding, utility bills and medical expenses.”
She added that with inflation pushing up the price of everyday necessities, relying on a single income source has become increasingly difficult.
“My salary cannot settle all these expenses anymore, so I had to look for an additional source of income. That is why I started doing kabu-kabu,” she said.
Another driver, Mrs. Blessing Okafor, who operates along the Lugbe-to-Area 1 route in Abuja, said she began transporting passengers earlier this year when she noticed many commuters struggling to find affordable transport during rush hours.
Okafor, a mother of three, explained that she uses her car to pick up passengers mainly during peak periods in the morning and evening.
Related News
Tinubu Announces Global Acceptance of Naira Cards for International Transactions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigerian-issued Naira debit cards can now be used for transactions worldwide, describing the…
China to Remove Tariffs on Most African Imports Starting May 1, Says Xi Jinping
China has announced plans to eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African nations beginning May 1, a move President…
Tinubu’s Reforms Becoming Global Reference Point — World Bank Official
The World Bank has praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing Nigeria as a global reference point for reform implementation…
“Things are very difficult now,” she said. “School fees, feeding and house rent are not easy to manage with just one income.”
She noted that passengers are sometimes surprised to see a woman operating an informal taxi service, but she believes the work is necessary to support her family.
“I usually park at the junction during busy hours,” she said. “People are surprised when they see a woman doing kabu-kabu, but it helps me contribute to the family income.”
Another driver, Mrs. Habiba Moses, said the increasing cost of fuel and rising living expenses have forced many households to seek alternative sources of income.
“When fuel prices go up, transport fares also increase,” she explained. “Many commuters cannot afford regular taxi fares anymore, so they enter our cars.”
According to her, the money she earns from transporting passengers helps her cover essential household costs, including fuel, electricity bills, and other daily expenses.
The rise of informal taxi services is not entirely new in Abuja, but observers say the growing participation of women reflects the increasing economic pressures facing families in Nigeria’s urban centers.
“Kabu-kabu” services typically involve private car owners transporting passengers along common routes for a negotiated fare. The system operates outside formal transport regulations but remains widely used by commuters due to its affordability and availability.
Transport analysts say the trend also reflects a broader shift toward informal economic activities as people adapt to difficult economic conditions.
For many of these women, the initiative represents both resilience and necessity. By using the resources they already have—such as their personal vehicles—they are able to create additional income streams and help support their households.
However, the practice also raises concerns about safety and regulation. Informal transport operations sometimes expose drivers and passengers to risks such as robbery, fraud, or criminal activity.
Despite these concerns, many of the women say they have little choice but to continue the work as they try to balance family responsibilities with the rising cost of living.
For them, turning their private cars into commercial vehicles has become not just a side hustle but a practical survival strategy in an increasingly challenging economic environment.