By Charity Nwosu
Abuja: Business owners and artisans in Dei-Dei Community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the economic hardship and rising cost of living, saying it is taking a heavy toll on their livelihoods.
They spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The artisans said the current economic realities had drastically reduced their incomes and made it difficult for many small businesses to survive.
Kelechi Ejimmadu, a trader, said the increase in fuel prices had negatively affected his daily income and business operations.
According to him, the high cost of transportation has discouraged customers from purchasing goods regularly.
“The cost of transporting goods is too high. If fuel prices are reduced, things will normalise and people will be able to buy more goods.
“We spend more on fuel and electricity now. Sometimes the profit made in a day goes into running generators and paying bills,” he said.
Yahaya Mohammed, a commercial driver, urged the government to make fuel price reduction a priority, noting that the situation was becoming unbearable for many Nigerians.
“We spend more money buying fuel now, while passengers complain anytime transport fares are increased.
“At the end of the day, what remains for us is very small,” he said.
Blessing Okafor, a food vendor, said many residents now buy food on credit because of financial difficulties.
“Prices of rice, cooking oil, tomatoes and other ingredients keep rising almost every week.
“Some customers who used to buy full meals now ask for smaller portions because they cannot afford much.
“Everybody is affected by the economy. Business owners should try to be considerate while the government works toward improving the situation,” she said.
Anujue Emmanuel, a metal fabricator, said customers were finding it difficult to pay for services due to the harsh economic situation.
“The cost of iron rods and other materials keeps increasing, making it difficult for us to make profits.
“People now prefer to manage old doors and windows instead of repairing or replacing them.
“Before now, I used to get work almost every day, but things have changed. Some weeks, I stay at home without any job.
“Even when we get work, the pay is no longer enough because food prices and transport fares have doubled,” he said.
Another resident, Darlington Chinonso, appealed to the government to introduce support programmes for artisans and small business owners.
“If there are loans, grants or empowerment programmes, it will help many people survive these difficult times,” he said.
Also speaking, Husseina Sadiq called for measures to stabilise the prices of essential goods and improve employment opportunities.
According to her, many families are struggling to pay school fees, rent and medical bills due to reduced earnings.
NAN reports that Dei-Dei, a rapidly growing suburb in FCT, is home to many artisans, traders and labourers who depend largely on daily income for survival.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)