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Bitumen shortage delays road projects as construction activity expands at slower pace in Sept.

Construction activity continued to expand in September, though at a slower pace, with a shortage of bitumen remaining a major constraint and delaying several road construction projects, the Central Bank said yesterday.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), measured by the Total Activity Index, recorded 57.8 in September, down from 59.4 in August. A reading above 50 indicates the sector is generally expanding month-on-month. Growth was supported by a sustained flow of new construction projects.

The New Orders Index rose to 65.6 from 62.5, primarily underpinned by Government-funded projects. The Employment Index eased to 58.1 from 59.7, reflecting ongoing recruitment supported by steady project availability, although many firms continued to cite shortages of skilled workers.

The Quantity of Purchases Index rose to 62.5 from 59.4, reflecting procurement for ongoing and newly awarded projects, while Suppliers’ Delivery Times lengthened further, with the index rising to 65.6 from 59.4, reflecting sustained supply-side pressures.

Expectations for construction activity over the next three months remained positive, underpinned by newly awarded projects, despite continuing challenges with material and skilled labour availability.

The survey covers around 35 responses from the highest-graded local construction companies registered with the Construction Industry Development Authority.

Boat operators rally support for Tinubu, Hamzat ahead of 2027

The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) on Saturday declared support for President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State APC governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association threw its weight behind Tinubu and Hamzat during a sensitisation campaign at Ijegun Egba Jetty Terminal in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos.

Speaking, the National President of ATBOWATON, Alhaji Ganiyu Balogun, popularly known as Tarzan, said the support was in recognition of the President’s years of investment in water transportation and the efforts of successive governments in Lagos State.

Balogun said many jetties were built during Tinubu’s tenure as governor of the state, adding that his successors had continued to construct more facilities to expand water transportation and improve security infrastructure.

According to him, members of the association across its 35 zones were ready to vote for the re-election of Tinubu and the election of Hamzat as the next governor of the state.

Balogun said: ‘Our boats operate from Lagos to Benin Republic and from Lagos to Ondo. We are here today to express support for the government that has invested heavily in water transportation and made our operations seamless.

‘We are here to declare our support for the President and show that we appreciate what he has done for us.

‘Many thousands of life jackets have been given to us by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

‘We are in support of President Bola Tinubu and Hamzat in 2027. We appreciate what the present government has done for boat operators and other stakeholders in the water transportation sector.

‘This government is making life more comfortable for us to operate on the waterways through improved safety measures and the provision of infrastructure, which was not adequately available before.’

According to him, the government had encouraged people like him by recognising their contributions to water transportation and investing in the sector.

‘Therefore, we have decided to come together and demonstrate our support for the APC,’ he said.

Balogun said the association would move to Rivers, Cross River and other states to similarly endorse state governments that had supported the marine and blue economy sector in Nigeria.

‘Before now, we regularly heard about accidents on the waterways, with lives being lost and people dying. However, nowadays, you hardly hear about such accidents.

‘This is because of government intervention and the seriousness demonstrated by the President and the governors responsible for the sector.

‘We are now comfortable operating on the waterways because we have established a system of identifying boats and their operators.

‘We have no choice but to support them so that they can continue what they have started,’ he added.

Calling on boat operators to prioritise safety, Balogun said a single accident could discourage many people from embracing water transportation.

‘We cannot afford to lose a single passenger through carelessness.

‘We want passengers to be comfortable. The more comfortable they are, the more they will embrace water transport and patronise us.

‘The more they are afraid, the more they stay away. Let us take security and safety very seriously.’

He called on operators to support Tinubu and Hamzat to ensure continuity in the development recorded in the waterways sector.

Corroborating his position, Alhaji Kola Adesiyan, the National Deputy President of ATBOWATON, urged members of the association to vote overwhelmingly for Tinubu, Hamzat and other APC candidates in the state.

‘The nation, Nigeria, has crossed the Red Sea and is now moving to the Promised Land. Tinubu is our candidate for 2027. Hamzat is our governor in 2027,’ Adesiyan said.

In his address, Mr Segun Babatunde, the Deputy Chairman of the association in Lagos State, highlighted several achievements of the outgoing state government in the water transportation sector, urging the incoming administration to sustain and expand the gains.

Babatunde commended the government for providing additional jetties, supporting the establishment of more fuel stations around waterways and collaborating with the Federal Government to clear dangerous debris that posed risks to navigation and damaged boats and engines.

‘There was a time when we had very few jetties and boat operators faced serious difficulties in accessing suitable places to operate.

‘The government listened to our concerns and provided more jetties, making our work easier.

‘We also had a time when boat operators had to travel far to the mainland to buy fuel because there were not enough fuel stations close to our waterways.

‘We raised this concern, and the government responded by supporting the provision of more fuel stations around our waterways. Today, getting fuel is easier for many of our operators.

‘We also faced serious problems with debris in our waterways. These dangerous objects caused boat accidents and damaged our boats and engines.

‘After we raised our concerns, the state and federal governments worked together to remove debris from our waterways. This has helped clear large sections of our waterways and made operations safer,’ he said.

He said the association supported Tinubu’s re-election bid and Hamzat’s governorship ambition in the belief that continuity in leadership would sustain development and consolidate existing achievements in Lagos State.

‘Although we appreciate the jetties already provided, some remote areas still need more jetties.

‘We also need additional fuel stations closer to more waterways so that operators can serve passengers more easily and efficiently.

‘We believe that with the right leadership and continued cooperation, these improvements can be achieved.

‘Our expectation is that the progress made in water transportation will not stop here.

‘We want the incoming governor to continue these efforts and extend them to more communities across Lagos State,’ Babatunde said.

He urged the incoming administration to prioritise waterway safety, security, youth employment, financial assistance for boat operators and tourism development.

Babatunde noted that many operators struggled with damaged boats and faulty engines they could not afford to replace.

‘Some of our members have lost their boats or are struggling with faulty engines. These challenges have significantly affected their livelihoods and ability to work.

‘We appeal to the incoming government to subsidise the cost of boat engines and introduce flexible repayment plans to enable operators to rebuild their businesses, restore their income and return to optimal performance,’ he said.

Babatunde also called for sustained debris clearance, the distribution of life jackets, stronger security measures and skills development programmes for youths.

Speaking, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, commended ATBOWATON’s leadership for its support and said Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to advancing water transportation remained evident.

Emmanuel, who was represented by Mr Oladapo Ibrahim, urged members of the association to embrace professionalism, prioritise safety and continue to collaborate with the government in developing water transportation.

In his goodwill message, Mr Rasaq Olojede, Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, applauded the association for its overwhelming support for the ruling party, saying successive APC administrations had done much to advance water transportation since Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

‘We now have state-of-the-art jetties, terminals and vessels. We must also thank this association for complying with safety regulations,’ Olojede said.

He said residents of riverine areas were satisfied with the government’s investments in water transportation infrastructure, particularly the construction of jetties and terminals to ease road congestion and improve connectivity across Lagos.

Olojede said Lagos, being a coastal state with both upland and riverine communities, had benefited significantly from the development of water transportation facilities, adding that passenger traffic had increased tremendously as a result.

Speaking, Oba Gausu Alani-Rasaki (Obagbade Musa I), the Ovori of Ibeshe Kingdom and Sea Beach, said traditional rulers were not politicians but voters. He applauded Tinubu for initiating reforms that had transformed water transportation in Lagos.

NAN reports that the carnival-like event brought together scores of ATBOWATON members and other stakeholders, including traditional rulers.

Vietnam’s $136.3b Energy Investment Wave Creates Equipment Market Opportunities

Vietnam’s planned investment of $136.3 billion in power generation and transmission through 2030 is creating signifi cant opportunities for global energy technology, equipment and engineering companies, as the country accelerates efforts to strengthen energy security and expand electricity infrastructure.

Under its revised National Power Development Plan VIII, Vietnam expects to invest approximately $118.2 billion in power generation and $18.1 billion in transmission infrastructure by 2030.

The plan also targets total installed generation capacity of 183,291-236,363 MW and commercial electricity output of 500.4- 557.8 billion kWh.

Rising electricity demand is driving the investment.

According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), power generation and imports reached 171.54 billion kWh in the fi rst half of 2026, up 9.85% year-on-year, while peak system load hit a record 57,537 MW.

Reps advance bills for federal medical centre nursing college in Ifako-Ijaiye Lagos

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading two bills to establish a Federal Medical Centre and a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The proposed institutions aim to improve access to quality healthcare expand professional training opportunities for healthcare workers and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.

Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo sponsored both bills and led debates on the proposed legislation.

Leading the debate on the bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ifako-Ijaiye Olabinjo said the proposed facility would address healthcare challenges in the densely populated area where residents often depend on overstretched government-owned hospitals for specialised medical services.

He noted that patients whose conditions exceed the capacity of local health facilities are frequently referred to a limited number of public hospitals resulting in long waiting times and difficulties accessing timely medical attention.

According to him the burden falls particularly on traders artisans civil servants and young families who may have limited alternatives for accessing healthcare.

The lawmaker explained that the bill seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to provide a statutory framework for establishing governing and administering the proposed facility.

He said the centre would serve as a referral hospital for surrounding primary and secondary healthcare facilities improving access to specialised treatment while reducing pressure on existing public hospitals in Lagos State.

Olabinjo identified improved emergency response access to critical medical services and employment generation as some of the expected benefits of the proposed centre.

He stressed that access to emergency obstetric services trauma care and other critical treatments often depends on proximity to adequately equipped health facilities.

The lawmaker added that the centre would enable more residents to receive treatment closer to their homes while creating employment opportunities for doctors nurses pharmacists laboratory scientists technicians and administrative personnel.

On the proposed Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Olabinjo said Nigeria needed to expand the training of nurses and midwives to meet the growing demands of its healthcare system particularly amid the increasing migration of trained professionals to foreign countries.

He noted that the departure of healthcare workers to countries such as the United Kingdom Canada and the United States had worsened staffing gaps in Nigerian hospitals with maternal and child healthcare services among those affected.

According to him establishing the college would expand access to professional nursing and midwifery education in Lagos State where population growth has increased demand for qualified healthcare personnel.

He explained that the proposed institution would provide training and conduct research in nursing midwifery and related specialities offering professional certificates diplomas degrees and post-basic qualifications alongside continuing education for practising professionals.

The bill also provides for the establishment of a Governing Council a School of Nursing and a School of Midwifery as well as the appointment of qualified principal officers to oversee the institution’s administration and academic activities.

Olabinjo said the college would be empowered to admit students organise academic programmes conduct examinations and research and provide facilities including libraries laboratories lecture halls and student hostels.

He urged lawmakers to support the legislation arguing that expanding accredited training institutions would increase the number of qualified nurses and midwives entering the healthcare system annually.

The sponsor also highlighted the college’s potential impact on maternal and child health noting that adequately trained midwives remain essential to efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

‘We cannot fix our healthcare system without the people who run it day and night. This Bill invests in them’ he said.

Beyond their healthcare and educational objectives Olabinjo said both institutions would stimulate economic activity in Ifako-Ijaiye through employment opportunities and increased patronage of businesses in the host community.

He added that the proposed college would create educational and career opportunities for young Nigerians particularly those in Lagos State who might otherwise struggle to access professional healthcare training.

The two bills having passed second reading are expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny by the appropriate House committees before proceeding to subsequent stages of consideration.

If enacted the proposed legislation would provide the legal framework to establish and administer the Federal Medical Centre and the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako-Ijaiye Lagos State.

2027: Plot to stop Uzodimma could weaken Tinubu’s chances in South East

The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu has expressed concern that the Federal High Court’s ruling recognising Rochas Okorocha as the duly elected APC candidate for Imo West could deepen political tensions in the Southeast and complicate efforts to sustain unity within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Group said Governor Hope Uzodinma, an experienced politician who served in the Senate before becoming governor, should be allowed to pursue his political ambitions in accordance with the rules.

In a statement by Hon. Gbenga Owojori, National President, Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu (RHFST), the group said Uzodimma’s supporters regard him as a credible contender for the Senate presidency, adding that his potential candidacy has received support from political leaders across party lines.

‘The dispute over the Imo West ticket has consequences beyond the constituency. It has altered the political calculations surrounding the Senate presidency and raised concern that a leading Southeast contender could be shut out of the contest before the next Senate is constituted,’ the group said.

The group noted allegations by critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has an interest in preventing Uzodinma from emerging as a potential rival, and that former Rivers State Governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was involved in efforts to pursue a legal challenge against him.

Critics have linked those claims to Akpabio’s past support for Wike during his dispute with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

‘These are serious claims and should not be treated as established facts. The judgment must be assessed on its legal merits, and the statements attributed to Wike require clarification. Given the political consequences of the ruling, the public deserves confidence that no political pressure has influenced the judicial process,’ the Group said.

The Group added that Uzodimma should be judged on his record, experience and support, and should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete.

The Group warned that the dispute could affect President Tinubu’s political fortunes if Southeast leaders conclude that their support for the administration is not matched by fair representation.

It said dissatisfaction in the region could weaken party unity, reduce grassroots mobilisation and make it harder for the President to broaden support for his second-term bid.

‘The President needs a united party and the confidence of political allies across the country. If the Southeast believes its support is welcome only when votes are needed, but its candidates are obstructed when power is being shared, the consequences could extend well beyond Imo State,’ the Group said.

The Group further noted claims that political actors had boasted of installing Ifeanyi Ararume as governor, as well as allegations involving Ade Tinubu, described as the President’s daughter’s fiancé and personal physician to the President. It said those claims require substantiation and a response from the individuals named.

The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu urged the APC leadership to address the concerns through transparent processes and inclusive dialogue.

‘President Tinubu’s second-term prospects will depend in part on the unity of the party and the trust of its regional partners. A fair opportunity for Governor Uzodinma would help preserve confidence in the APC. Further marginalisation of the Southeast could deepen regional disaffection and weaken the coalition the President will need in 2027.’

DoubleDragon profit soars to P3.91 billion from January to September

DoubleDragon Corp., the listed property business of Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, has nearly quadrupled its profit, fueled by strong overseas projects that generate dollar revenues.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, DoubleDragon Corp. reported yesterday that its core net income surged to P3.91 billion from January to September compared with P1.1 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenue doubled to P20.78 billion.

DoubleDragon said overseas operations generated the majority of revenue at 59 percent, driven by growing demand for global projects.

DoubleDragon subsidiary Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp. demonstrated its value proposition when its 680-room Madrid hotel sold out on opening day. The company earns twice from its projects: first, from unit sales and second, from hotel operations.

Given this, DoubleDragon expects to sustain its growth story. The company aims to become a major dollar earner for the Philippine economy.

DoubleDragon said it has no ongoing condominium projects, making it least exposed to the glut of unsold units, particularly in Metro Manila.

Colliers Philippines said unsold condo units in Metro Manila hit 80,000 as of September, 44 percent of which are priced for lower-middle-income buyers at P3.6 million to P6.99 million.

DoubleDragon also said it has no exposure to large business process outsourcing locators, some of which are expected to reduce office space as they automate voice transactions.

DoubleDragon booked P1.13 billion in profit in the third quarter, which is six times larger than a year ago’s P183.67 million. This aligns with DoubleDragon’s expectations of faster growth in the second half.

DoubleDragon is opening new malls and warehouses nationwide. It also expects new sales from Hotel101 projects here and abroad.

‘DoubleDragon has generated a significant increase in its core revenues and income, and it expects an even higher jump in core revenues by the second half of this year,’ the developer said.

2027: Tinubu support group sets up structures in 5422 Jigawa polling units

The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) says it has established grassroots mobilisation structures across 5422 polling units in Jigawa State ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.

The group’s Deputy Director for the Northern Region Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu disclosed this during the inauguration of the TSG state office in Dutse the state capital.

Aliyu said the group had also established leadership structures across the state’s three senatorial districts 11 federal constituencies 31 state Assembly constituencies and 287 political wards.

He said the network was designed to strengthen grassroots mobilisation coordinate supporters and improve communication between the state leadership and the group’s regional and national headquarters.

The former two-term member of the House of Representatives said the group had reconstituted its state and senatorial district leadership to improve coordination monitor activities and provide regular feedback on its progress and challenges.

He urged members to intensify mobilisation in their respective communities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Aliyu also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects saying the North was prepared to support the President for a second term.

He described Tinubu’s emergence after former President Muhammadu Buhari as the fulfilment of what he called a political understanding between the North and South-West.

Aliyu further cited the turnout of supporters at the APC presidential campaign kick-off in Kaduna on Saturday as an indication of support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

‘The massive turnout in Kaduna shows where the North stands. Today we in the North-West geopolitical zone have spoken loud and clear about who we stand for.

‘Our choice of Tinubu remains a commitment to a better Nigeria and national cohesion. Arewa will return Tinubu to Aso Rock’ he said.

The TSG deputy director recalled that Buhari contested the presidency several times under different political platforms including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before winning the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Tinubu’s political support.

He argued that the South-West backed Buhari for two terms based on an understanding that power would shift to the region after his tenure.

According to him Tinubu’s emergence as President in 2023 fulfilled that arrangement and he said the North should reciprocate by supporting his re-election.

‘The South-West supported and voted for Buhari for two terms under Tinubu’s political leadership with an understanding that the presidency would shift to the South-West after Buhari.

‘That has happened and we need to fulfil the promise by supporting and voting for Tinubu to complete his constitutionally allowed eight years in office’ he said.

Aliyu urged APC members and supporters across the North to remain peaceful and law-abiding while mobilising support for the President.

He said TSG would sustain its mobilisation activities and strengthen its structures across Jigawa and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

Weak peso pushes NG debt to record P19.66 trillion

The country’s outstanding debt ballooned to another record high of P19.66 trillion as of end-September, due to issuance of government securities and peso depreciation against the dollar.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the national debt inched up by 0.3 percent in end-September to eclipse the previous all-time high of P19.61 trillion in August.

On a year-on-year basis, the debt stock picked up further by 12.6 percent from the P17.46 trillion recorded a year ago.

The outstanding debt was equivalent to 99.5 percent of the government’s projected P19.77-trillion debt stock by the end of 2026.

For September alone, the government’s debt stock increased by P53.47 billion from the previous month.

Treasury data showed the current debt pile is now mostly made up of domestic debt with a 67.4-percent share, while external obligations accounted for 32.6 percent.

Domestic debt inched up by 0.07 percent to P13.25 trillion in end-September from P13.24 trillion in end-August.

‘The increase was mainly due to the P7.66 billion net issuance of government securities, while peso depreciation against the dollar added P1.12 billion to the value of onshore dollar bonds,’ the BTr said.

The peso weakened against the dollar to 62.601 as of end-September from 62.209 as of end-August, the BTr said.

Domestic debt also increased by 10.7 percent from P11.97 trillion in September 2025.

Total external obligations likewise increased by 0.7 percent to P6.41 trillion as of end-September from P6.37 trillion in end-August. The amount was nearly 17 percent higher than the P5.48 trillion booked in September 2025.

‘The increase was mainly attributable to the P40.12 billion increase in the peso value of foreign-currency denominated debt due to peso depreciation against the dollar and the P9.27 billion net availment of external loans,’ the Treasury said.

Nigeria has stepped up fight against insecurity – Defense Minister

Minister of Defense Major General Christopher Musa (rtd) has said that solving Nigeria’s insecurity requires informed policies credible institutions technological innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the human dimensions of conflict.

General Musa spoke yesterday at the TETFUND Center for Excellence in Security Management while commissioning CG Musa Security Management Hub donated to the center at the University of Ibadan.

The Defence Minister who disclosed that ‘the academia occupies a strategic place in our national security management architecture’ added that ‘the battlefield may reveal the immediate manifestations of insecurity but the university provides the intellectual environment to interrogate its causes evaluate responses and develop sustainable solutions.’

He hinted that insecurity is getting prolonged because it is becoming difficult to get the needed security weapons and ammunitions adding that Nigeria needs to begin to produce what she needs to end insecurity.

‘Our intention is to expose our local producers to foreign and international manufacturers so that we can continue to produce what we need or what we rely on. Why insecurity continues to be prolonged is that we do not produce all we need.

‘Most times when we go to buy even with cash at hand you can’t get them off the shelves. And now with the wars going on in the Ukraine Russia and the Strait of Hormuz it became extremely difficult buying as little as ammunition to use talkless of APCs. Since our local manufacturers are doing their best we need to escalate to an international level.

‘The security challenges confronting our nation have become increasingly complex interconnected and multidimensional. The threats we face continue to test our national resilience.

‘Equally concerning are the underlying conditions that sustain insecurity including extremism weak governance systems political manifestations and social exclusion among others. These realities remind us that security cannot be achieved through military operations alone. It requires informed policies credible institutions technological innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the human dimensions of conflict’

He furthered that ‘we will continue to encourage collaboration between defence institutions and centers of learning to ensure that our security policies and operational approaches benefit from research innovation and evidence-based analysis.

‘We have stepped up our game in the field and gradually improving the security situation. It is also important that everybody plays a part because it is a whole-of-nation approach if you see something say something.’

In his remarks the Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale thanked the donor for providing a facility that the current and future generations will learn from adding that the university will ensure that the facility is made the epicenter of security research in Africa.

‘We hope and believe that this hub serves as the nexus for multidisciplinary research and serve as a convening ground for policy makers and academics. The facility must not become a museum of security artifacts but (must) be used to generate data that will guide the ministry of defense and our security agents’

The lead Researcher and Technical Officer at the center Professor Isaac Albert while thanking the minister for fulfilling his promise to the center tasked him to ensure that more funds are made available to the TETFUND Center of Excellence in Security Management to execute research and projects that will inform the right security policies.

According to Professor Albert it is also important for the security agencies to patronize the center and engage with its resource persons towards formulating and implementing the right security policies.

Earlier in his welcome address the Director TETFUND Center of Excellence in Security Management Professor Benjamin Aluko who thanked the minister for donating the building to the center urging Nigerians to purchase forms into the MSC and PhD Security Management at the University of Ibadan and begin to enjoy the best brains in the field.

Lango transporters hike fares to Kampala over high fuel prices

Transporters in the Lango sub-region have increased fares to Kampala effective November 1, citing high fuel costs.

The United Bus Owners Association’s Friday announcement indicates that transport costs on routes to Kampala City have risen by at least Shs 10,000.

According to the new cost, travellers using executive buses will pay Shs 60,000 from Apac District to Kampala Shs50,000, while ordinary buses will charge Shs 50,000 up from Shs40,000.

From Lira City to Kampala, passengers will pay Shs 40,000 up from Shs 30,000; those travelling from Aduku Town Council in Kwania District will pay Shs 45,000 up from Shs 35,000.

Mr Geoffrey Anok, the executive director of Comfort Travellers Bus Company, told this publication on Saturday that the new rates will keep them in the business amid the spiralling cost of fuel and servicing buses.

“Currently, the cost of servicing the buses has almost doubled, and the cost of the fuel has also skyrocketed. The money we used to pay for fuel for the return journey now is paying for only a single trip.” He said.

The news has caused anxiety among the business community, especially small-scale traders who depend on daily travel to Kampala, Lira and other markets outside Lango Sub-region.

Ms Susan Akello, a produce dealer in Apac Main Market, said the hike will force them to increase commodity prices.

“When transport goes up, everything goes up. I buy beans from Lira. If I pay an extra 10,000 for transport, I must add it to the price of beans. In the end, the final consumer suffers. Customers are already complaining that things are expensive,” Akello said.

Another trader, Mr Jacob Ogwang, who deals in second-hand clothes, warned of low sales during the festive season.

“Customers have no money. If we increase prices of commodities because of transport, they will not buy. We are stuck. Government should intervene on fuel prices,” Mr Ogwang said.

Mr Joseph Ebong, 17, a resident of Apac Sub-county who travels to Kampala for medical treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital, called upon the government to regulate fuel prices and have dialogue with transport operators.

“I always travel to Kampala for medical check-ups, but the fare is now too high. I may not be able to afford this fare. This fuel price is killing us,” he lamented.

Fuel prices have been steadily rising in the past weeks, with some pump stations currently charging up to Shs7,200 for a litre of diesel, up from Shs4,700 in April this year.