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• FCT residents hail price crash, others rue economic woes
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
For many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, last year’s Christmas was more than just a holiday. It was a season of relief and laughter.
From food markets to relaxation spots, residents described the Yuletide as one of the most memorable they have enjoyed in years. Residents said the festive period was largely enlivened by a sharp drop in food prices, which eased burden on families.
Rice, a major Christmas staple, recorded one of the most significant price reductions, with some traders slashing prices by as much as 50 per cent. “This Christmas was different,” a resident said. “For once, food was not a problem,” she added.
Although some families could not reunite fully, residents noted that this was not due to transportation costs, as several government transport companies reduced fares. Instead, fears of insecurity in some parts of the country discouraged travel.
Despite this, the atmosphere within the FCT remained calm and festive, with many residents expressing gratitude to God for life and peace. Madam Joy Ameh, a resident of Utako, recalled:
“In previous years, Christmas was just indoors – television, sleep and that was all. Everyone stayed indoors due to uncertainty in the security situation. But this year, things changed.”
Unable to travel out of town, Ameh and her family opted to check into a hotel within Abuja. A decision she said transformed their celebration: “We moved around every day. From one place to another. We laughed, bonded and truly felt the season.”
The family visited some locations, including Abuja Lake, where they enjoyed the calm waters and cool breeze, creating memories she said would last a lifetime. What surprised her most was that the celebrations were affordable:
“There was no money like that. But things were very cheap. We enjoyed ourselves without stress. The experience showed that Christmas joy does not always require long journeys or expensive spending, but rather togetherness and creativity.”
For Mrs. Chioma Obumneke, school proprietor in Karu, the joy of the season was evident in market prices. “Last Christmas was one of the best. Last year, rice was almost N100,000. This year, it dropped to less than N50,000. That alone changed everything.
“Despite widespread complaints about financial hardship, many Nigerians still travelled for the holidays. In my compound, I was almost the only one left. Everywhere became quiet before the Christmas celebration in our compound.”
Determined not to let the loneliness dampen the season, she took her children to recreational centres: “We had fun all the way. Honestly, it was enjoyable.” She thanked God for seeing her through the year and prayed for better days ahead.
In Nyanya, Madam Ibe Uzuma said: “Except for fish, meat and chicken, everything was affordable. Buying rice for less than N50,000 was encouraging.”
Although she did not travel, her husband and some of the children did. But those who stayed behind still enjoyed the season: “I thank God for life and for bringing my family safely into the New Year.”
She expressed concern over the newly introduced tax system, calling for more public enlightenment: “People are confused and agitating. Government should give us more orientation so Nigerians will understand what is happening.”
However, a resident of Kubwa, Florence Aka, insisted there was nothing to celebrate: “People said food was cheap, but there was no money to buy it.” Unlike previous years when she could contribute to buy and distribute two or three bags of rice.
She said she had nothing this time: “Transport costs swallowed my income, and the rest went into repaying loans.” Unable to travel or celebrate, she described the season as one of survival rather than joy, even as she thanked God for life and for making it into the New Year despite the hardship.
Ameh Ocheme, a private school teacher in Dulse, agreed that the year had been difficult, insisting that the Christmas held little meaning for him despite the reduction in food prices.
