Nigeria at 64: Abuja residents bemoan economic hardship

Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have lamented Nigeria’s economic situation as they call for the Federal Government’s intervention.

The residents,, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the economic downtown affected their celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

Mr Ikenna Azubuike, a store owner, said that independence was not worth celebrating due to the economic hardship in the country.

Azubuike recalled how goods and services were cheaper a few years ago compared to the present day.

“A few years ago a crate of eggs was about N500 to N800. Now I buy it for N6,000.

“It is so sad that we have found ourselves in this state as a country,” he said.

Azubuike said that his business had been impacted by the hike in prices of goods which had affected his profit margin.

Marian Ighalo, a banker, said that her salary was not sufficient to meet her needs anymore.

“The naira has no value again, which is why the money finishes so fast when you have barely bought anything tangible

“I appeal to the Federal Government to look into the economic situation so that we can have enough reason to celebrate our independence,” she said.

Mrs Joselyn Akpereta, a school proprietress, said that the economic situation had been affecting the running of her school.

Akpereta said that some parents can’t pay school fees and bus fees on time, while some had stopped paying for the school bus services.

“A lot of parents no longer pay their children school fees on time.

“This is affecting the running of the school because teachers need to be paid and amenities in the school need to be fixed.

“I bought those school buses at an extremely high price, but unfortunately, parents can no longer afford the bus for their kids. This leaves me at a very great loss,” she said.

Akpereta said 2024 was her worst independence day celebration.

She called on the Federal Government to urgently address the economic situation in the country so Nigerians could be happy.

Peter Idemudia, a civil servant, said his celebration of Nigeria’s independence was dampened by the economic situation in the country.

“For me, there was nothing worth celebrating due to the hunger, hardship and homelessness being experienced in the country.

“I guess the people who celebrated in spite of the economic situation did it just to make themselves happy to avoid depression.

“I genuinely hope that this country gets better and Nigerians finally have a cause to smile again,” he said

However, Meimunat Adeleke, a real estate agent, said that she was in high spirits for the independence celebrations in spite of the economic situation.

“I know that things are not so good in the country but we have a lot more reasons to celebrate.

“We are not at war and we are still united as a country, which is enough reason to celebrate.

“I pray that God gives our leaders the wisdom to make Nigeria a better place for everyone someday,” she said.