by Niyi Jacobs
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are facing severe challenges in meeting their basic nutritional needs due to escalating food prices and rising transportation fares. Many have expressed their frustrations over the soaring cost of living, which has turned everyday expenses into a struggle for survival.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, several residents highlighted the impact of increased fuel prices on their budgets. For Maryam Abu, a mother of three, the burden has become unbearable. “Last year, I could buy a bag of rice for N50,000, but now it costs over N100,000. How can I feed my children?” she lamented. She emphasized that with her husband’s salary failing to keep pace with inflation, she is often forced to choose between meals and essential household items.
Civil servant Ekaite Obot shared a similar plight, revealing that she hasn’t been able to drive her car for over five months due to the high cost of fuel. “All family expenses have fallen on me since my husband lost his job. I struggle to pay school fees and buy food,” she said, highlighting the pressure on families like hers as costs continue to climb.
Other residents have resorted to community-based financial schemes like “adashi,” where colleagues contribute money monthly to purchase household items. Mary Umeh noted, “It’s almost Christmas now, and while I don’t have savings, I’m relying on our adashi to manage some expenses.”
Traders in the area are also feeling the strain. Albert Nwakama, who sells second-hand clothing, reported a drastic decline in sales. “Customers who used to buy my goods have stopped coming. Even those who used to lend me money now ask to borrow to feed their families,” he lamented, illustrating the widespread economic malaise.
The rising cost of living has even affected educators. Teacher Nneka Azubuike admitted to feeling the pressure to favor students from affluent families, as their generosity has become a crucial lifeline for her as a single mother. “I never expected that with the Dangote refinery opening, fuel prices would rise further instead of falling,” she remarked, calling for government intervention to address transportation and food affordability.
Commuters like Ibrahim Idris are also feeling the pinch, with transportation costs nearly doubling. “I used to spend about N400 daily on commuting, but now it’s between N900 and N1,000. It’s getting harder to manage,” he said, underscoring the broader impact of rising fares on household budgets.
Small business owners are in a precarious position, as they balance the need to raise prices against the risk of alienating customers. Christabel Nicholas, who runs a small shop, reflected on the difficult choices she faces. “I’ve had to increase prices due to market costs, but my regular customers are complaining. We need government intervention to alleviate this suffering,” she urged.
As the cost of living continues to spiral, FCT residents are calling for immediate action from the government to stabilize prices and alleviate their hardships. The situation has become dire, with many struggling just to put food on the table.
TheBusinessNg
