FCT Residents Face Severe Economic Hardship Amid Rising Costs

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have voiced their concerns regarding severe economic hardship affecting their livelihoods. In interviews, individuals highlighted challenges such as high transport costs and food prices, which have made it difficult to meet basic needs.

Mr. Grace Okoro, a civil servant, reported that his monthly salary is insufficient to cover essential expenses like food, transport, school fees, housing rent, and healthcare. Mr. Abel Akpan noted that the removal of fuel subsidies has significantly increased living costs, leading to debt among civil servants.

Taxi driver Mr. Adigun Lateef described the struggle of spending more on fuel than food, urging the federal government to establish support programs for taxi drivers. Mr. Celestino Odo, head of programs at ActionAid Nigeria, criticized recent economic policies for exacerbating the situation and called for urgent action to restore security and enable agricultural activities.

He emphasized the need for sustainable economic policies to address structural challenges and improve food security.