FCT traders lament soaring rents, tough hurdles

Traders at Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre Lament Harsh Business Conditions, Appeal for Government Intervention

Business operators at the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over what they describe as increasingly difficult conditions for trade in the area.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, the traders said the centre had suffered years of neglect, with inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and rising rental costs making survival difficult for small businesses.

Space, Parking and Infrastructure Challenges

Furniture dealer Mr. Obiora Iheanacho said the temporary market site is severely constrained, creating constant competition for space among traders and customers.

“Most of us deal in bulky items like furniture, yet the shops are too small for our operations,” he explained. “The congestion is also causing serious parking problems. Both customers and traders are struggling to find somewhere to park.”

Iheanacho urged the government to invest in modern market structures that would provide adequate space and facilities for businesses to thrive.

Another trader, Mr. Obiora Okeke, called for the removal of abandoned vehicles parked in front of the building.

“These cars are just sitting there, blocking space and creating a hazard,” Okeke said. “If they are cleared, we’ll have more room for parking and better access for customers.”

Rising Costs Driving Traders to the Brink

Mrs. Blessing Joseph, who runs a shop in the centre, said skyrocketing rent was placing a heavy burden on traders.

“I’m paying between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million annually for a shop,” she lamented. “It’s becoming unsustainable. We need the government to find a way to regulate rents and provide more affordable options so we can keep our businesses running.”

Poor Sanitation Raises Health Concerns

For Mrs. Martha Ubeh, the condition of the market’s sanitation facilities is a pressing issue.

“The toilets are in terrible shape—unhygienic and embarrassing,” she said. “We need proper sanitation infrastructure to protect our health and the environment around the market.”

The traders collectively appealed to relevant authorities to step in, improve the market’s infrastructure, regulate shop rents, and provide facilities that will make the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre a more conducive environment for commerce.