FCT residents face hardship as food and transport costs rise

Residents of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are facing significant economic hardship due to the rising costs of food, fuel, and transportation. Many households report being forced to reduce their meal frequency, with some families skipping breakfast or dinner to manage expenses.

Market data indicates substantial price increases for staples. A 50kg bag of rice has risen to between N68,000 and N71,000, while a bag of beans now costs between N111,000 and N115,000. Cooking oil and sugar have also seen price hikes, alongside increases in the cost of eggs.

Local residents, including civil servants, describe a struggle to balance fixed salaries against fluctuating market prices. Some individuals have resorted to secondary jobs, such as driving taxis after government work hours, to afford basic necessities and household expenses.