The owners of small businesses in the territory of the Federal Capital (FCT) say they are struggling to survive in the midst of electric tariffs, transport and telecommunications costs.
The businessmen told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that they no longer reach the point of balance and that they barely tried to keep their businesses afloat.
Merchants, artisans and service providers said that the growing cost of managing their businesses had forced them to reduce expenses, reduce staff and reconsider their operational strategies.
Chinyere Okonkwo, owner of a bakery in Garki, said that his electricity bills had more than duplicated in recent months, making production unsustainable.
“I used to pay around N50,000 per month for the light, but now it is more than N120,000. And this is only for electricity. There are still other production costs that we must consider.
“In recent months, I have had to reduce my baking hours and even reduce my staff, but the profits are still low,” he said.
Abdulrahman Yusuf, a local distributor, shared how the increase in fuel and logistics costs had severely impacted his business.
“Since the elimination of fuel subsidy, my business has been suffering; my income has continued to reduce. How food to my family and pay school rates?
“The government and all relevant organizations need to investigate this. It is a matter of final urgency, ”said Yusuf.
Similarly, Solomon Aghogho, an office rider, also denounced low -profit yields due to the increase in fuel prices.
“The highest fuel cost has affected the business. When we consider the cost of fuel in sending goods, customers always complain about the high cost of delivery,” said Mr. Aghogcho.
Ekaite Bassey, merchant from the APOS fish market, pointed out the impact of the increase in the electricity rate and Hyke transport in your business.
“Our businesses are not reaching a balance point. We are in the business because it is better than being inactive in the house, but the truth is that we are not obtaining any benefit at all,” he said.
Nnenna Okoh, an online supplier, appealed to the federal government to investigate the increase in the telecommunications rate proposed by the good of suppliers of small businesses like her.
“With a proposed increase in telecommunications rates, small businesses depend on digital services for sales and client participation fear more setbacks.
“If data costs increase, how will we continue online sales? We are already struggling with existing expenses and low income. What will become our destiny? She said.
Agnes Ezenwa, a businesswoman, said: “The expenses are a lot. Some of us have begun to adopt shared cost measures, such as bulk purchases and joint deliveries.
“The Government needs to intervene before all our business collapse and our families starve. We need urgent intervention. “
Margaret Apuetu, Women’s Coordinator of the Association of Small Companies of Nigeria (ASBON), denounced the difficulties that their members found while doing business.
Mrs. Adepetu urged the Government to address the problems of electricity rates, logistics, increased oil prices and improve the value of Naira, saying that this would be of great help to boost business.
He also urged the Nigerians to deviate from “Japa” syndrome, remain in Nigeria and contribute their share to the growth and development of the country.
“It can be hard today, but we will grow. Because if you go to that place, you are developing other people’s country. Whatever happens, one day, we have to go home, ”he said.
A business consultant, Emeka Nwosu, said that despite their resistance, the owners of small businesses in the FCT and its surroundings were difficult for them to survive.
Nwosu called to the federal government to guarantee policies and programs that relieve companies and increase the economy.
(Yaya)
