Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory have expressed their frustration over the escalating cost of food items, highlighting the difficulties they face in meeting their basic nutritional needs. Additionally, the residents voiced concerns regarding potential increases in transportation fares, which are anticipated to rise further due to the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol. This combination of rising food prices and transportation costs is contributing to growing economic strain on the community.
- Residents of the Federal Capital Territory spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja, expressing their concerns over the increased fuel prices and the subsequent rise in living costs.
- They noted that their once manageable budgets have spiraled into a daily struggle, primarily due to soaring food prices and transportation fares.
- The residents appealed to the Federal Government and relevant authorities for immediate action to address these pressing issues.
- A mother of three, Mrs. Maryam Abusaid, shared her frustration, stating, “Last year, I could buy a bag of rice for ₦50,000, but now it is more than ₦100,000. How can I feed my children?”
- She added, “With my husband’s salary barely keeping pace with inflation, I often have to choose between meals and essential household items.”
- Similarly, Mrs. Ekaite Obot, a civil servant and mother of four, revealed the impact of rising costs on her family, stating that she has not been able to drive to work or church for the past five months.
- “For over five months now, I have not moved my car from the garage because I can no longer afford to fuel or maintain the vehicle. The times are really tough for my family. All family expenses have been on me since my husband lost his job as a sales representative.”
- “I struggle to pay school fees, acquire household items, and feed the family, and with the increasing cost of items, I do not think we can continue to survive on my limited income,” Obot said.
- Another civil servant, Mrs. Mary Umeh, shared her experience regarding the increased cost of living, noting that her saving grace was the contribution scheme (adashi) she participates in with colleagues.
- “We have several platforms where we contribute money monthly, and at the end of the year, we use the money to buy various household items,” she explained.
- As Christmas approaches, she mentioned, “I do not have any savings, but I am not worried because I know that we will soon use our adashi money to buy some household items. I am sure my family will be able to manage the items, and I will just need a little extra money for other things for the Christmas celebration.”
- Similarly, a trader, Mr. Albert Nwakama, lamented his struggles to provide for his family due to low sales from his second-hand clothing business, commonly known as “okrika.”
- Nwakama stated, “I used to open a new bail of clothing every two to three weeks, but in the past six months, I could barely sell a bail of women’s wear.”
“I have not experienced anything like this since I began this okrika business nine years ago. Many customers who used to buy my goods have stopped coming to my shop. “Even some of those who used to give me money in advance to enable me to open new bails now come to borrow money so they can feed their families. “People are struggling to eat and care for their families, and buying new clothing is no longer a priority, leaving people like me in a dilemma,” he said.A teacher, Mrs. Nneka Azubuike, remarked that the increased cost of living in the country had turned her into a corporate beggar. According to Azubuike, every child from a well-to-do family in her class has become a friend due to her selfish reasons.
- She said she pays more attention to pupils from wealthy homes because their parents tend to appreciate her for her good deeds. “I am aware this is unprofessional, but I have to take care of my child because I am a single mother.
- My salary is not enough to cover our needs. “I also thought that with the Dangote refinery, fuel prices would reduce and transportation would become affordable in the country, but the reverse is obviously the case.
- “The government really needs to find a way to address this transportation issue because it is affecting every sector of the economy, especially food prices,” she said. For commuter Ibrahim Idris, the surge in transportation fares has significantly impacted his budget for other household necessities.
On his part, vendor Mr. Sule Adams remarked that his formerly booming business has now slowed as many families are tightening their belts.“We are experiencing a noticeable decline in customers, and some who come to patronise us always want discounts, which we normally oblige because we want to make sales.
“Most customers who used to buy goods in large quantities and store them in their homes now buy smaller amounts due to the increased costs.
“It is hard for us too; we have to pay for our supplies, and if people are not buying from us, we suffer because we have families to take care of,”
- Adams said .Additionally, Ms. Christabel Nicholas, a small business owner, stated she is facing an uphill battle as she must choose between raising prices, displeasing customers, or absorbing the high costs.“I have had to increase my prices due to the high cost of items in the market, but my regulars are complaining. It is really a tough decision.
- We need government intervention to overcome this situation because Nigerians are sick, hungry, suffering, and dying,” she said.NAN reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation report for April, showed food inflation increased to 40.53 per cent on a year-on-year basis.In its July CPI report, the Bureau stated that the headline inflation rate was 9.32 per cent higher than the rate recorded in July 2023, which was 24.08 per cent.The increase in the headline index for July.
