Hardship Drives Women in Abuja Into Informal Taxi Business

INCREASING economic pressure and rising living costs are pushing more women in Nigeria’s capital city to convert their private cars into informal taxis, commonly known as “kabu-kabu.”

Across major junctions and bus stops in Abuja, the nation’s capital, a growing number of female drivers can now be seen picking up passengers during peak hours as they search for additional income to support their families.

The trend, residents say, reflects the broader economic realities affecting households in the Federal Capital Territory, where the cost of transportation and everyday expenses has risen sharply in recent months.

Turning Private Cars Into Livelihood

Several women who have joined the informal transport business say the decision was largely driven by rising household expenses and stagnant incomes.

Mrs. Jane Nwaogara, one of the drivers operating within the city, said she began conveying passengers to cope with the increasing financial burden on her family.

According to her, rising petrol prices and everyday costs have made it difficult to rely solely on her salary.

“The economic hardship is biting hard,” she said. “I have many bills to pay, including school fees, feeding, rent and medical expenses. My salary alone cannot take care of everything.”

She added that transporting passengers has become a practical way to earn extra income and keep her household running.

Women Join Informal Transport Routes

Another driver, Mrs. Blessing Okafor, who operates along the Lugbe–Area 1 route, said she began picking passengers earlier in the year after noticing how difficult it had become for commuters to find affordable transport.

“Things are very difficult now,” she said. “School fees, feeding and rent are not easy to manage with only one source of income.”

Okafor said she typically parks at busy junctions during morning and evening rush hours to pick passengers heading toward the city centre.

She noted that some commuters initially express surprise when they see women driving informal taxis, but many eventually welcome the service.

“It is the only way I can support my family,” she added.

Fuel Prices and Cost of Living

For many drivers, the rising cost of petrol remains a major factor behind the shift into informal transport services.

Mrs. Habiba Moses said increasing fuel prices have forced many households to find alternative sources of income.

“When fuel price goes up, transport fares also increase,” she explained. “Many people cannot afford regular taxis anymore, so they enter our cars.”

According to her, the extra income generated from the trips helps her cover fuel costs, electricity bills and other family expenses.

Mrs. Erica Ekah shared a similar experience, saying the small fares she collects from passengers have helped offset the cost of fueling her vehicle.

She also observed that more women with private cars—including some driving luxury vehicles—have begun gathering at major junctions to pick up passengers.

“People are really struggling these days,” she said. “No one is ashamed anymore. Everyone is trying to find a way to survive.”

Commuters Welcome Additional Options

While the growth of informal taxis reflects economic challenges, some commuters say the trend has also helped ease transportation difficulties in the city.

Mr. Samuel Olatunde, a civil servant, said many workers now rely on secondary sources of income to cope with rising expenses.

“My salary alone cannot cover my expenses,” he said. “Some colleagues even carry passengers after work to make extra money.”

He added that many private cars seen around busy junctions during rush hours belong to workers attempting to supplement their income.

Miss Ruth James, a trader, said the increase in private vehicles offering rides has helped reduce waiting time for passengers during peak hours.

“I see people with neat cars stopping to pick passengers,” she said. “Some of them are women who just want to make extra money for their families.”

According to her, the motivation behind the trend is largely survival rather than profit.

Experts Link Trend to Economic Pressures

Economic analysts say the growing participation of women in informal transport services reflects wider changes in Nigeria’s labour market.

Mr. Eric Eze, an economist, noted that worsening economic conditions often push workers into informal sectors where entry barriers are lower.

“When income remains stagnant while prices keep rising, people naturally look for alternative ways to earn money,” he explained.

He added that women are increasingly entering sectors traditionally dominated by men—including transport—in order to maintain household stability.

Eze also warned that the expansion of informal taxi services may continue if economic pressures persist and urban transport systems remain insufficient.

A Sign of Wider Economic Strain

Observers say the emergence of female “kabu-kabu” drivers in Abuja highlights the resilience of households seeking creative ways to cope with economic hardship.

At the same time, it underscores the growing pressure on urban families as the cost of living continues to rise.

For many of the women behind the wheel, the informal taxi business is less about entrepreneurship and more about survival in an increasingly challenging economic climate.