Abuja traders decry high shop rent

Some traders at the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre, FCT, have expressed concern over the high cost of doing business in the territory.

The traders told journalists on Tuesday in Abuja that the area had been in a deplorable state for a long time.

They further said that the area lacked adequate amenities, adding that shops were becoming unaffordable.

Obiora Iheanacho, a furniture trader, stated that the limited space at the temporary site had led to parking challenges, with traders and customers competing for available spaces to park their vehicles or conduct business.

“Most of us deal with furniture, but the shops are too small, and it is making our operation difficult,” he said.

Mr Iheanacho called on the government to build modern shops that would meet the needs of traders.

Obiora Okeke, a trader, called on the government to remove abandoned vehicles in front of the building to create parking space.

“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.

Similarly, Blessing Joseph, another trader, said that the high cost of shop rentals has become a major concern to the traders.

“I am struggling to keep up with the annual costs of rent, which is between N1.5 million and N2 million.

“We need more affordable options to survive. The government should look into ways of regulating rent prices to make it more affordable,” Mr Joseph said.

Meanwhile, Martha Ubeh, another trader, said that the poor sanitation at the front of the market building had become a health concern.

“The state of the toilets is embarrassing and unhealthy. We need better sanitation facilities to maintain a clean and healthy environment,” she said.

(NAN)

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