ABUJA: Many women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun converting their private cars into informal taxis, popularly known as “kabu-kabu,” in a bid to make ends meet amid worsening economic hardship.
Some of the female drivers told newsmen on Sunday in Abuja that the decision was largely driven by the rising cost of living and the need to supplement household income.
Reports indicate that the trend is becoming increasingly visible as more women are now seen at major junctions and bus stops across the city picking up passengers.
Many private car owners, a significant number of them women driving relatively comfortable vehicles, now stop to convey passengers to various parts of Abuja.
One of the drivers, Mrs Jane Nwaogara, said the development was largely fuelled by rising transportation costs following the increase in the pump price of petrol.
According to her, mounting household expenses such as school fees, rent and food have made it necessary to seek additional sources of income.
“The economic hardship is biting hard. I have so many bills to pay, including my children’s school fees, feeding, utility and medical bills, among others,” she said.
“Above all this is the increasing cost of petrol. My salary cannot settle all of these, so I need to find additional income, hence my involvement in the kabu-kabu business.”
Similarly, Mrs Blessing Okafor, a mother of three who operates along the Lugbe–Area 1 route, said she started conveying passengers earlier this year to cope with rising household expenses.
“Things are very difficult now. School fees, feeding and house rent are not easy to handle with just one source of income,” she said.
Okafor explained that she decided to use her car to pick passengers during peak hours after realising that many commuters struggled to find affordable transportation.
“I usually park at the junction in the morning and evening. Sometimes people are surprised when they see a woman driving kabu-kabu, but it is the only way I can support my family,” she added.
Another driver, Mrs Habiba Moses, said the increase in fuel prices and the rising cost of living had made it necessary for many families to explore alternative income sources.
“When fuel price goes up, transport fares also increase. Many people cannot afford regular taxis anymore, so they enter our cars,” she said.
According to her, the income from conveying passengers helps her buy fuel, pay utility bills and meet other family needs.
Mrs Erica Ekah also said that since she began conveying passengers to and from work, she no longer struggled to find money to buy fuel.
Ekah noted that more female drivers, some in very posh vehicles, were now beginning to flood major junctions where informal taxi operators usually park to pick up passengers.
“Recently, I discovered that more female drivers in very posh cars are beginning to flood the major junctions where we park to pick passengers,” she said.
“People are really struggling these days. The economy is affecting everyone and no one is ashamed anymore. Many people are simply exploring different means of making ends meet.
“Transportation is critical to economic growth and issues surrounding it need to be taken seriously by governments at all levels for the benefit of citizens.”
Meanwhile, residents who patronise the service said the growing number of private cars operating as taxis reflected the level of economic pressure facing households in the capital city.
Mr Samuel Olatunde, a civil servant, said many workers now rely on side businesses to survive.
“My salary alone cannot cover my expenses and I believe the same applies to many people. Some of my colleagues carry passengers after work just to make extra money,” he said.
“Also, many private vehicles seen around busy junctions during rush hours belong to workers trying to augment their income.”
Some commuters, however, acknowledged that the presence of more private vehicles offering rides had helped reduce waiting time for transport, especially during peak periods.
Miss Ruth James, a trader, said she had noticed more neatly kept private cars stopping to pick passengers.
“I see people with very neat cars stopping to pick passengers. Many of them are women who simply want to make extra money,” she said.
“I think the motivation for many of them is simple—survival. They are not doing it for luxury, but because the economy is tough and their families depend on them.”
Economic analysts say the growing participation of women in informal transport reflects broader economic realities.
An economist, Mr Eric Eze, said worsening economic conditions in Nigeria were pushing more women into sectors traditionally dominated by men in order to generate income.
Eze noted that many households were turning to the informal sector because wages had not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
“When income remains stagnant while prices and the general cost of living continue to rise, people naturally look for alternative ways to earn money,” he said.
“Women in particular are increasingly entering transport and other informal businesses to maintain household stability.
“The expansion of informal taxi services may continue if economic pressures persist and public transportation systems remain inadequate,” he added.
