Many women in the Federal Capital Territory have turned their private cars into informal taxis, popularly known as “kabu-kabu,” as they struggle to cope with the rising cost of living.
Some female drivers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja said the decision was driven by worsening economic conditions and increasing household expenses.
NAN reports that the trend is becoming more visible across the city, with women now seen at major junctions and bus stops picking up passengers heading to different parts of the capital.
A driver, Mrs. Jane Nwaogara, said the development was largely influenced by the increase in petrol prices and the growing pressure of family responsibilities.
According to her, mounting household expenses such as school fees, rent, feeding and medical bills have forced many families 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, utilities and medical bills.
“Above all these is the increasing pump price of petrol. My salary cannot settle all these, so I needed to find another means of income, which is why I joined the kabu-kabu business,” she said.
Similarly, a mother of three, Mrs. Blessing Okafor, who operates along the Lugbe–Area 1 route, said she began 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 start picking up passengers during peak hours after noticing 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 high cost of living had made it necessary for many families to explore alternative means of survival.
“When fuel prices go up, transport fares also increase. Many people cannot afford the 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 struggles to buy fuel.
“Recently, I noticed that more female drivers with very posh cars are beginning to flood major junctions where we park to also pick passengers.
“People are really struggling these days. The economy is affecting everyone, and no one is ashamed anymore as people are exploring different ways to make ends meet,” she said.
Meanwhile, some residents who patronise the service said the increasing number of private cars operating as taxis reflects the economic pressure facing households in the capital city.
A civil servant, Mr. Samuel Olatunde, said many workers now depend on side businesses to survive.
“My salary alone cannot cover my expenses, and I think the same applies to everyone. Some of my colleagues also carry passengers after work just to make extra money,” he said.
Some commuters, however, said the presence of more private vehicles offering rides had helped reduce waiting time for transport, especially during peak hours.
A trader, Miss Ruth James, said many of the drivers she encounters are women trying to support their families.
“I see people with very neat cars stopping to pick passengers. Some of them are mostly women who just want to make extra money.
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“They are not doing it for luxury but because the economy is hard and their families depend on them,” she said.
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 are pushing more women into sectors traditionally dominated by men.
According to him, many households are turning to the informal sector because wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
“When income is stagnant and prices keep rising, people naturally look for alternative ways to earn money.
“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 said.