Everybody is a big man in Abuja

Abuja has always been called the ‘Land of Milk and Honey.’ This is the attitude of the non-formal sector workers in Abuja especially the operators of taxi cars, whether painted.  I have made it a duty to be law-abiding in order to avoid pleading, or regretting any action that would lead to offences before  parking agents, VIO and FRSC.
I decided that whenever I had an appointment in the busy centre of the city, I will take a taxi to my destination to avoid pick pockets or any other inconveniences associated with the buses or taxis.
 On this fateful day, I flagged a taxi and told the drive my destination. He looked the other way and told me N1,000. I repeated the destination again to him. He repeated in a louder tone this time and said, “N1,000”. I told him the price was too much and he should re-consider the transport fare. He asked me if I knew the destination or whether I was new in town, I told him I knew the place. He said N8,000. I told him “N4,000.” He frowned and looked at me straight in the eye and said, “Everybody is a big man in Abuja. He said if I would pay N700, he would take me there through shorter routes to avoid the heavy traffic so that I could meet up with my appointment. He then smiled and asked me to sit on the back seat. I told him I would pay N500 or no deal, and I didn’t care about the back seat. His countenance changed and he asked me to enter.
While in the front, he engaged me in a conversation, saying that civil servants hated parting with money and bargained as if they are poor people. I responded by telling him that even labourers have to be neat and dress well to have access to some places. That being neat does not necessarily mean one is a big man or a high-flier.
The driver then said the reason why they had to charge higher rates was so that they could take the person on the basis of drop to the destination. And sometimes they came back from the destination without a passenger to where they assemble. He said there are places  you go and the motor-park touts (Agberos) or garage touts will not allow you to take passengers among to monopolise the route for a select few of operators for the juicy gains therein.
This has given me an insight into the general perception among people that you have to plan very well to survive in Abuja, especially as a first timer or even the unsuspecting daily visitors.
The belief of most people is that if you are working in Abuja you must ‘make it’ meaning you must be rich financially: That you should go to Abuja wretched and come back with pot-belly. Charging high rates for transport or other services is one of the means. Life is not about being rich financially but about planning based on your income, expenses and your plan for the future that is in times of need or retirement. Many  people make the mistake of linking their predicament to not being rich, while in fact they are rich mentally and physically. Many think if you don’t have a lot of money you are nobody. It is said that ‘live like a millionaire and die a pauper.’  Lastly never ever you take anything for granted in Abuja without asking the price and agree on it, or else you will be an easy prey by being ‘an acting big man’.

Sunday trust