“We Can No Longer Afford to Feed Ourselves”: FCT Residents Cry Out Over Soaring Food and Transportation Costs

In Abuja, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are raising alarm as the cost of basic needs—especially food and transportation—continues to skyrocket, pushing families across the city into increasingly difficult financial situations. Many residents have expressed frustration, sharing how the latest fuel price hike has worsened an already challenging economic landscape, leaving people unable to afford essentials.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), several FCT residents detailed how rising costs have turned everyday necessities into unaffordable luxuries. For most, the sharp increase in food prices and transport fares has upended their budgets, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

Families Face Dilemmas Over Basic Necessities

Mrs. Maryam Abu, a mother of three, described how her family’s food budget has spiraled out of control. “Last year, a bag of rice cost N50,000, and now it’s over N100,000. With my husband’s salary barely covering the essentials, I often have to choose between feeding my children and buying other necessities,” she explained, echoing a sentiment felt by many.

Mrs. Ekaite Obot, a civil servant, said the soaring petrol prices have left her car parked for months. “I haven’t been able to drive to work or church in five months because I can’t afford the fuel. It’s hard to meet family expenses, especially since my husband lost his job. My income alone can’t cover school fees, food, and other costs.”

A Widespread Crisis Across Economic Classes

The crisis has not spared any sector. Civil servant Mrs. Mary Umeh revealed that her participation in a workplace savings scheme, or adashi, has been her family’s saving grace. “With the adashi, I can at least buy household items for Christmas, but without this, I wouldn’t have any savings at all,” she shared.

For traders like Mr. Albert Nwakama, who sells second-hand clothes, reduced customer spending has taken a heavy toll. “My sales have been the worst in nine years. People are prioritizing food and survival over buying new clothes, which leaves me barely able to open new bales,” he said, adding that customers who used to help him with advance payments are now asking for loans themselves.

Desperate Measures and Growing Inequality

The hardships have also led some residents to take measures they find personally troubling. Mrs. Nneka Azubuike, a teacher, admitted to forming connections with wealthier students and their families, hoping for gifts or tips to make ends meet. “This isn’t professional, but as a single mother, I have to care for my child, and my salary is not enough,” she confessed.

Ibrahim Idris, a commuter, voiced his frustration about the soaring transport fares that eat away at his budget. “I used to spend N400 daily on commuting. Now it’s N900 to N1,000, and I still have to support my household. Getting to work is becoming almost impossible,” he said.

Small business owners like Ms. Christabel Nicholas are facing a tough choice between raising prices and losing customers or absorbing costs they can barely afford. “I’ve had to increase prices, and my regulars are upset. It’s a painful choice because everyone is struggling,” she explained. “We need government intervention; people are hungry and desperate.”

Calls for Urgent Government Action

As the situation worsens, residents are appealing to the federal government to address the compounding costs of transportation, food, and essential goods. Many believe immediate intervention is necessary to alleviate the financial strain on ordinary Nigerians, who, as Mrs. Nicholas put it, “are sick, hungry, suffering, and dying.”