Analysis of Fuel Subsidy Removal and Its Effect on Road Transport Fares in Sokoto State

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has had far-reaching consequences for the road transport sector, particularly for low-income commuters who depend on commercial vehicles for daily mobility. This study analyses the effects of the 2023 fuel subsidy removal on road transport fares in Sokoto State, situated in the North West geopolitical zone. Employing a descriptive survey and content analysis approach, data were collected from 120 commuters, 60 commercial vehicle operators, and transport union officials in Sokoto and Tambuwal through structured questionnaires and secondary data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The study tracks fare changes across short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul routes between June 2023 and December 2024 and correlates them with fuel price fluctuations. Findings show that transport fares increased by an average of 82 percent across routes within six months of subsidy removal, with long-haul routes recording the steepest increases. The study identifies a strong positive correlation between fuel cost increases and fare adjustments, confirming that operators rapidly pass cost burdens to passengers. Disproportionate impact on rural and low-income commuters is highlighted as a critical social concern. The study recommends the introduction of targeted transport subsidies for vulnerable populations, the acceleration of alternative fuel adoption in commercial fleets, and enhanced monitoring of fare regulation by state transport authorities. Keywords: fuel subsidy, transport fares, Sokoto, road transport, cost of living.