Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are grappling with the harsh realities of rising living costs, citing increased food prices and transportation fares as major concerns. The surge in prices has left many struggling to make ends meet, with some forced to choose between meals and essential household items.
For Mrs. Maryam Abu, a mother of three, the price of a bag of rice has more than doubled, from N50,000 to over N100,000, making it difficult to feed her children. Her husband’s salary, which once kept pace with inflation, now barely covers their needs.
Similarly, Mrs. Ekaite Obot, a civil servant and mother of four, has been unable to drive to work or church for five months due to the high cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance. With her husband’s job loss, she shoulders the entire family’s expenses, struggling to pay school fees, household items, and feed her family.
Mrs. Mary Umeh, another civil servant, finds solace in a contribution scheme with colleagues, which helps her purchase household items at the end of the year. However, she acknowledges that many others are not as fortunate.
The struggles extend beyond civil servants. Mr. Albert Nwakama, a trader, has seen his fairly-used clothing business dwindle, with customers prioritizing food and essential items over new clothing. Mrs. Nneka Azubuike, a teacher and single mom, has become a “corporate beggar,” seeking support from well-to-do families to make ends meet.
Commuters like Ibrahim Idris face significant increases in transportation fares, with daily commute costs rising from N400 to N900-N1,000. “I have cut down on most things, yet it’s always difficult to get to work five times a week,” he lamented.
Vendors like Mr. Sule Adams have also felt the pinch, with declining customers and requests for discounts. “Most customers who used to buy goods in large quantities now buy less due to increased costs,” he said.
Small business owners like Ms. Christabel Nicholas face tough decisions: raise prices, risk losing customers, or absorb the high costs. “We need government intervention to overcome this situation; Nigerians are sick, hungry, suffering, and dying,” she urged.
As the situation worsens, residents appeal to the Federal Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the rising living costs and transportation fares, seeking relief from the economic hardship that has become a daily struggle.
