Traders at the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over the rising cost of doing business and the deteriorating state of facilities in the area.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the traders described the market environment as deplorable, citing inadequate amenities, poor sanitation, and unaffordable shop rentals as major challenges threatening their livelihoods.
Mr. Obiora Iheanacho, a furniture dealer, lamented that the limited space at the temporary site had created serious parking problems for both traders and customers.
“Most of us deal with furniture, but the shops are too small, and it is making our operation difficult,” he said, urging the government to construct modern shops that meet traders’ operational needs.
Another trader, Mr. Obiora Okeke, appealed to authorities to remove abandoned vehicles blocking the frontage of the market to free up parking spaces.
“It is a safety hazard and a major inconvenience. We need a solution to this parking problem to ensure that our customers can access our shops easily,” he said.
For Mrs. Blessing Joseph, the soaring rental fees — currently ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦2 million annually — have become unbearable.
“I am struggling to keep up with the annual costs of rent. We need more affordable options to survive. The government should look into ways of regulating rent prices to make it more affordable,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Martha Ubeh expressed concern over poor sanitation within the market premises, describing the state of the toilets as “embarrassing and unhealthy.” She called for urgent improvement in hygiene facilities to safeguard traders’ and customers’ health.
The traders urged the FCT Administration to intervene with lasting solutions that would improve infrastructure, reduce rental costs, and create a more conducive environment for business activities.
