Some hawkers in Abuja on Friday begged Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, to help them grow their businesses rather than taking away their source of income.
Recall that Wike recently banned activities of street traders within Abuja, saying it became necessary because corn sellers and street hawkers contribute to the insecurity and criminal activities in the nation’s capital.
However, some hawkers in a separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria pleaded with the FCT minister to support them rather than take away their means of livelihood.
A fruit seller, Mercy Job, said government should support them, adding that their sales would boost Abuja economy.
She said: “The minister can create a platform that will help us financially to support our small businesses instead of sending us away from the roads with no where to relocate us to.
“Sitting by the roadside is not my will, it is because I do not have the financial capacity to rent a shop. It is even risky for me; but what can I do?
”Hawking is our source of livelihood and we will appreciate if the FCT administration will support to provide an affordable place for us.”
A soft drink seller, Fatima Alayo said the ban of street hawking would make life more difficult for them. She noted that getting a shop cost nothing less than N500,000 to N700,000.
“This amount is too much and not every one can afford it, and not every business warrants spending such money to rent a shop.
“This is a petty trade. Some people just walk by and may just want to eat snack or buy water while on transit. They buy what they see as they go by to refresh themselves.
”We are trying to help ourselves. I don’t have anywhere to go, it is this business that I am using to cater for my family,” she added.
Meanwhile, another hawker, Abubakar Isah, said: ” I trade in livestock and poultry aside coming here to sell Kulikuli.
”If they say they do not want us on the streets, I can relocate and continue my other businesses. It won’t be a challenge for me.”
