Hardship Drives Abuja’s Private Cars Into ‘Kabu-Kabu’

Economic Hardship Turns Private Cars into Survival Tools in Abuja

AS Nigeria’s economic pressures deepen, a quiet but telling transformation is unfolding on the roads of Abuja. Private cars—once reserved for personal convenience—are increasingly doubling as informal taxis, locally known as “kabu kabu”, as residents seek new ways to survive rising living costs.

Across major routes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially within the city centre and satellite towns, private vehicles now regularly stop to pick up stranded commuters. The practice, once rare, has become a visible coping strategy driven by inflation, high fuel prices and stagnant wages.

Civil Servants Join the Informal Transport Economy

Among those embracing the trend are civil servants, traditionally seen as insulated from economic shocks. Mr. Ibrahim Musa, who works in Abuja, said he began conveying passengers along the Kubwa–Wuse corridor after office hours to supplement his income.

“My salary can no longer cover basic needs for my family,” Musa said. “After work, I pick passengers, and what I make helps me buy fuel and support my household.”

Another civil servant, Mr. Sadiq Lawal, said the practice had quietly spread among colleagues. According to him, many initially felt embarrassed but later realised they were not alone.

“It’s not that we want to become commercial drivers,” Lawal explained. “But transport fares are high, fuel is expensive, and survival comes first.”

Breaking Old Fears

For some, the shift came with hesitation. Mrs. Erica Ekah, a car owner, said she previously avoided picking passengers due to security concerns and fear of vehicle damage.

“I used to drive alone to work every day,” she recalled. “I was always scared of carrying strangers, especially with security issues.”

However, rising fuel costs forced a rethink. Ekah said she eventually identified safer locations to pick passengers and has since been able to offset her fuel expenses.

“Since I started, buying fuel is no longer a problem,” she said.

Women Turn Wheels into Income

The practice has also provided a lifeline for women navigating the harsh economy. Mrs. Blessing Okorie, a private-sector worker and single mother of two, said using her car during peak hours helps keep her family afloat.

“I run a small business, but it’s not enough anymore,” Okorie said. “So during rush hours, I leave my shop with my assistant and carry passengers.”

Sometimes, she added, the earnings only cover fuel costs—but even that makes a difference.

“If I don’t do this, my car will just be parked,” she said.

Passengers Welcome the Relief

For commuters, kabu kabu offers much-needed relief amid soaring transport fares. Ms. Hadiza Ahmed, who travels daily from Nyanya to Area 1, said she prefers private cars when possible.

“Some private car owners charge less than taxis, especially in the evenings,” she said. “It helps people like us who are struggling.”

Safety and Regulation Concerns

Despite its benefits, the trend has raised safety and regulatory concerns. Mr. Emmanuel Aper, a resident of Gwarimpa, said while the practice is understandable, it requires oversight.

“You don’t know who is registered or trained,” he said. “Government must ensure safety is not compromised.”

A Symptom of Deeper Problems

Transport analyst Mr. Kabir Abdullahi said the rise of informal passenger services reflects broader economic strain and weaknesses in public transport systems.

“When private car owners turn to this, it shows incomes are under pressure and transport supply is inadequate,” he said.

As the cost of living continues to climb, residents argue that the growing kabu kabu culture highlights the urgent need for targeted economic relief and improved mass transit solutions in urban centres.