Economic Hardship Pushes Abuja Women to Turn Private Cars into “Kabu-Kabu” Taxis
Rising living costs and economic pressure are pushing more women in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to convert their private vehicles into informal taxis, popularly known as “kabu-kabu.”
Across major junctions and bus stops in Abuja, a growing number of women—many driving personal or relatively high-end vehicles—are now seen picking up passengers heading to different parts of the city as a way of supplementing household income.
Several female drivers who spoke in Abuja said the trend reflects the realities of a challenging economic environment marked by rising fuel prices, increasing household expenses and stagnant wages.
Economic Pressure Driving Side Hustles
Mrs Jane Nwaogara, one of the drivers, explained that the decision to begin conveying passengers was largely influenced by the rising cost of transportation following increases in petrol prices.
According to her, mounting household expenses—including school fees, food, rent and utility bills—have forced many families to seek additional income streams.
“The economic hardship is biting hard. My salary alone cannot cover all the bills. Picking passengers with my car helps me manage the pressure,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Blessing Okafor, a mother of three who operates along the Lugbe–Area 1 corridor, said she started the informal taxi service earlier in the year after realising many commuters struggled to find affordable transport.
She explained that she typically picks up passengers during peak morning and evening hours when demand for transportation is highest.
“People are sometimes surprised to see a woman driving kabu-kabu, but this is the only way I can support my family,” she said.
Informal Transport Filling Mobility Gap
Another driver, Mrs Habiba Moses, noted that rising fuel prices have significantly affected transportation costs across Abuja.
According to her, the informal ride service has become beneficial not only for drivers but also for commuters seeking cheaper alternatives to conventional taxis.
“When fuel prices rise, transport fares also increase. Many passengers now prefer entering our cars because it is more affordable,” she said.
Mrs Erica Ekah added that the additional income generated from carrying passengers has helped her offset fuel expenses and other daily costs.
She observed that the number of female drivers joining the informal taxi system has increased significantly in recent months.
“You now see more women—even those driving very neat cars—waiting at major junctions to pick passengers. The reality is that everyone is trying to survive,” she said.
Commuters Also Feel the Pressure
Residents who patronise the service say the trend highlights the financial strain facing households in the capital city.
Mr Samuel Olatunde, a civil servant, said many workers now rely on side businesses to survive.
“My salary alone cannot cover my expenses. Some of my colleagues even carry passengers after work just to make extra money,” he said.
Some commuters also acknowledged that the growing number of private vehicles offering rides has reduced waiting times for transport, particularly during rush hours.
Miss Ruth James, a trader, said she often boards rides offered by private car owners.
“Most of them are women just trying to make extra money. They are doing it because the economy is hard and their families depend on them,” she said.
Informal Sector Expansion
Economic analysts say the increasing presence of women in informal transport reflects broader economic realities in Nigeria.
Economist Mr Eric Eze noted that worsening economic conditions are pushing more households toward informal economic activities.
He explained that wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, forcing many families to explore alternative sources of income.
“When income remains stagnant and living costs keep rising, people naturally look for additional income streams,” he said.
According to him, women are increasingly entering sectors traditionally dominated by men, including transport services, to help stabilise household finances.
He warned that informal taxi services could continue to expand if economic pressures persist and public transportation infrastructure remains inadequate.
BRANDECONOMY Insight
Abuja’s “Kabu-Kabu Economy” and the Rise of Survival Entrepreneurship
The growing participation of women in Abuja’s informal taxi system reveals deeper structural shifts in Nigeria’s urban economy.
- The Rise of Survival Entrepreneurship
More Nigerians are turning to side hustles to supplement incomes as inflation erodes purchasing power. Informal ride services are becoming one of the fastest-growing survival businesses in major cities. - Women Entering Non-Traditional Sectors
The trend reflects a broader shift in gender roles in Nigeria’s informal economy, with more women entering sectors historically dominated by men, including transportation and logistics. - Transport Infrastructure Gap
The surge in private ride services also highlights weaknesses in urban mobility systems. Limited public transport capacity in Abuja has created opportunities for informal transport operators. - Informal Economy as Economic Shock Absorber
Nigeria’s informal sector continues to act as a buffer against economic hardship, absorbing labour and providing income opportunities when formal wages fall short.
If economic conditions remain tight, analysts say informal ride-sharing could evolve into a more structured micro-transport economy in Nigeria’s major cities.
