By Zainab Bakare
As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Adha, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are cutting back on festive spending as inflation, stagnant incomes, and rising living costs continue to weaken purchasing power.
Across major markets in Karu, Mararaba, Masaka, Kubwa, Dei-Dei, Lugbe, and Gwagwalada, traders and residents described this year’s Sallah market as unusually slow despite relatively stable prices compared to previous festive seasons.
A market survey carried out by Democracy Radio Correspondent Zainab Bakare, shows only slight price differences across locations, with variations for essential food items ranging between N100 and N200 in most markets.
While traders acknowledged that prices have not risen sharply in recent weeks, many said the real challenge is that consumers no longer have enough money to buy even basic items. “People Come to Ask Prices and Leave”
Livestock Markets
markets across the FCT, ram sellers reported low patronage despite claiming that prices are cheaper than last year.
Sadiq Haruna, a ram seller from Katsina, said rams currently sell between N150,000 and N800,000 depending on size and breed.
According to him, many customers now visit markets only to inquire about prices without making purchases. “This year is cheaper than last year, but people do not have money, customers come, ask for prices, and walk away.” he said.
Another livestock dealer, Abu Muhammad, said patronage has dropped significantly compared to previous Eid celebrations.
“Last year was better. This year, many families are struggling financially,” he noted.
Food Prices Remain High
In Karu Market, a tomato and pepper seller Hajia Medina Talatu, said traders and customers are struggling to cope with the high cost of perishables.
She disclosed that baskets of tomatoes and pepper now sell between N80,000 and N100,000, making it difficult for traders to recover costs before the produce spoils.
“Customers complain every day because tomatoes are expensive and perish quickly, sometimes before you sell everything, part of the basket is already getting spoiled.” she stated.
Victor Osagie, a foodstuff dealer, said prices of staples such as rice and vegetable oil have remained relatively stable in recent weeks despite increased festive demand.
According to him, bags of rice currently sell between N53,000 and N56,000 depending on the brand, while a 25-litre keg of vegetable oil costs between N59,000 and N63,500.
Osagie said traders have avoided unnecessary price increases to help customers manage the difficult economy.
“We only adjust prices when suppliers increase costs, we are trying to keep prices balanced so people can still buy food.” he explained
Similarly, a beverage distributor Abdullaziz Awwal stressed that prices of soft drinks and yoghurt products have remained mostly stable, except for slight changes from manufacturers.
Stagnant Incomes Deepen Economic Pressure
Many residents said the bigger problem is no longer sudden festive price hikes but the widening gap between household income and market prices.
A resident, Halima Salami, described the cost of living as overwhelming for average families preparing for Sallah.
“The economy is very difficult, food items, cooking ingredients, and even rams are becoming too expensive for ordinary Nigerians. Many people can barely feed their families.” she revealed.
Another resident, Ahmed Idris, said salaries have remained largely unchanged despite continuous increases in the cost of goods and services. “The salary is still the same, but market prices keep rising.”
“That is why many families will simply manage whatever they can afford this year.” he said.
However, not all buyers shared the same experience.
Kamaldeen Yusuf, another resident, said he was surprised that ram prices were slightly lower than he expected.
He explained that he purchased a ram for N150,000, which he considered relatively affordable compared to last year’s prices.
Inflation Shape Consumer Behaviour
Economic analysts say inflation and weak purchasing power are changing consumer behaviour across Nigeria, especially during festive periods traditionally associated with increased spending.
Many households now prioritise essential needs over elaborate celebrations, while traders face declining sales despite maintaining stock levels.
The situation has also exposed the fragile balance between stable market prices and consumers’ ability to afford goods.
Although traders in several FCT markets insisted they resisted arbitrary festive price increases, residents said affordability remains a major concern because incomes have not improved alongside inflation.
Sallah Celebrations Under Economic Strain
Despite the economic hardship, markets across the FCT has continued to witness steady human traffic as residents made last-minute preparations for the Eid celebrations.
For many families, however, this year’s Sallah reflects a painful economic reality where festive traditions are increasingly shaped by inflation, shrinking incomes, and difficult financial choices.
As shoppers moved through crowded markets comparing prices and adjusting budgets residents maintained that although prices may have stabilised slightly, but purchasing power has not recovered.
