LEKKI -The removal of the fuel subsidy has caused an increase in the cost of living in Nigeria.

The city of Lagos is busy metropolis and citizens rely on public and private transportation services to get around.

When the strikes or Occupy Nigeria began in the 9th January 2012, it was in protest to a 120% increase in petrol. The cost of petrol went up to N141 from N65.

One of the private transportation companies Red Cab, a private luxury taxi cab service in Lagos was badly hit.

Red Cab Driver Tunde Olumide Adeleye whose taxi cab stand is at the Lekki Phase 1 second gate entrance stated on the 14th January 2012 that: "customers do not want to use the Red Cab services when we told them the new price increase of fares."

"I am just standing by my taxi and watching the situation. The is what most of us are doing due to the strikes."

REDUCTION ON THE COST OF FUEL

On Monday the 16th January 2012, the Federal Government of President Goodluck Jonathan announced that the cost of petrol would now be N97 as opposed to N120.

The current change saw life resume once again on the streets of Lagos.

As for Mr Adeleye, he states today that: "N97 is better but our customers are still hesitant when whey call us for a cab service."

"Hopefully, our customers will get used to the new fares and the increase in fuel. Things will gradually get back to normal but it takes time."

Photos taken by elleblanche on the 14th and 20th January 2012.

PHOTO 1: Tunde Olumide Adeleye and his Red Cab on the 14 January 2012

PHOTO 2: Mr Adeleye (centre) with other private and public taxi-cab drivers on the 20 January 2012.