Residents and traders across the South-East have expressed concern over the rising cost of goods and services, declining consumer purchasing power and worsening business conditions, calling on the Federal Government to introduce measures to ease the economic hardship.
From Aba and Umuahia in Abia State to Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi in Anambra, Enugu, Abakaliki in Ebonyi and Owerri in Imo State, traders said high transportation costs, expensive fuel, multiple levies and weak consumer spending had severely affected their businesses.
Many said customers who previously bought goods in bulk now purchase only what they can afford for immediate use, while some traders are struggling to preserve their capital.
Aba residents complain of soaring food prices
In Aba, residents said staple foods such as rice, beans, yam, tomatoes, garri, pepper and onions had become increasingly unaffordable.
A housewife, Mrs Oluchi Nwankpa, said the amount she once used to cook for a week could no longer provide the same quantity or quality of food for her family.
A trader at Cemetery Market, Mrs Ada Emeka-Ogbugo, said prices continued to rise almost daily, with suppliers attributing the increases to higher fuel and production costs.
Another trader, identified simply as Friday, said most people were now focused only on buying enough food to survive.
Produce dealers blame checkpoints and middlemen
Produce merchant Egbu Peters said the cost of transporting tomatoes, vegetables and okro from northern states to the South-East had risen sharply.
He alleged that traders encounter numerous security checkpoints and additional charges along major highways, adding that the extra costs are eventually passed on to consumers.
Enugu traders report falling sales
Foodstuff dealers in Enugu said patronage had dropped significantly.
Trader Ngozika Igbokwe explained that customers who once bought large quantities now buy only small portions, leaving many perishable goods unsold for days.
A petty trader at Ogbete Market, Kevin Ugwuogor, said many small traders who borrowed money to finance their businesses were finding it difficult to repay loans because sales had slowed considerably.
They appealed for lower taxes, affordable credit and measures to improve household purchasing power.
Anambra traders count losses
In Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi, traders said the economic situation had weakened their businesses.
Onitsha Main Market trader Clement Nwadikwa said his capital had shrunk, making it difficult to restock his shop.
Electronics dealer Nicholas Okeke said non-essential goods were particularly affected, as many families now prioritise food and rent. He added that transporting goods from Lagos to the South-East had become much more expensive due to high fuel prices.
Ebonyi traders seek government support
At Abakaliki International Market, traders described the market as unusually quiet.
Joy Ezediora said many traders spend long hours in their shops without customers, while Ekene Nwankwo said some business owners had started using their capital for daily survival.
Building materials dealer Chief Chukwudi Nweke added that poor sales had also affected cement and construction-related businesses, and he called for grants and empowerment programmes.
Imo traders complain of levies and low turnover
At Relief Market in Owerri, traders identified low sales and market levies as major challenges.
Fabric seller Ifeanyi Osuji said his sales had fallen by about half, while Bridget Nwankwo complained about paying an annual levy of N24,000 in addition to other charges.
They appealed for a reduction in levies and other operating costs.
Poor infrastructure worsens challenges in Enugu
Traders at Eke Market in Nkanu West, Enugu State, also complained about poor drainage, congestion and inadequate infrastructure.
Condiments seller Ezinne Nwobodo said flooding and muddy conditions discourage customers whenever it rains, while cosmetic dealer Emeka Amadi called for expansion of the market and more stalls for traders.
Onitsha traders allege harassment
Beyond low sales and high costs, some Onitsha traders also alleged multiple taxation, rising rents and harassment linked to disputes over shop leases.
Former market union leader Kenneth Okafor called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Anambra State Government to investigate the allegations and ensure that disputes are handled lawfully and without intimidation.
Across the region, traders urged both federal and state governments to tackle the factors driving up the cost of goods and doing business, while providing grants, affordable credit, improved infrastructure and lower taxes and levies to help businesses survive the current economic situation.
