Rising living costs are pushing many residents of Nigeria’s capital to adopt drastic coping strategies just to keep their households running.
Civil servants, traders, and artisans in Abuja say food prices, transport fares, and soaring house rents have severely reduced their purchasing power, forcing families to cut spending and rethink daily living. Some now buy smaller food portions, cook simpler meals, or even skip certain items to stretch their budgets.
John Okeke, a civil servant in Garki, said his salary no longer covers basic needs due to rising transport and food costs. Grace Sule, a mother of three in Lugbe, said feeding her family has become increasingly difficult as market prices continue to climb.
Artisans are also feeling the strain. Ibrahim Musa, a carpenter in Kubwa, said many clients now postpone furniture repairs or new projects because of financial pressure. Meanwhile, commercial motorcyclists say higher fuel and spare part costs have forced them to increase fares.
Housing costs are another growing concern. Some small apartments in the city now rent for N1.5m to N2m, pushing many workers to relocate to satellite towns like Mararaba, Karu, and Dei-Dei.
Economists say the hardship is driven by inflation, currency depreciation, and stagnant wages, warning that without stronger policies to stabilise prices and boost incomes, many households may continue to struggle.
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