…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
The removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has resulted in mixed feelings among firewood and charcoal sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While some have experienced negative effects on their businesses due to increased transportation costs, others are yet to feel the impact.
Negative Effects on Firewood Sellers:
Mr Muhammad Hamisu, a firewood seller in Area 1, Garki, expressed his concern over the high cost of transporting goods from the supply point to the city center.
He lamented that the recent economic downturn has disrupted his business pattern and significantly reduced his profits.
The transportation cost for firewood from Nasarawa state to the FCT has increased from N45,000 to N65,000 for the same quantity of firewood.
Consequently, Hamisu has been compelled to raise the price of firewood from N100 to N150, although he has noticed a significant drop in patronage.
Previously, he used to make a profit of N25,000 to N30,000 per week, but now he struggles to make a gain of N8,000.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges:
Despite the challenges, Hamisu remains determined to keep his business afloat.
He believes that as the economic situation improves and the standard of living stabilizes, his business will regain its previous momentum.
Impact on Charcoal Sellers:
Mr James Ochajo, a charcoal seller in Nyanya, has also been affected by the removal of fuel subsidy.
To compensate for the increased transportation costs, Ochajo had to raise the price of charcoal from N100 to N120.
He hopes for divine intervention and urges the Federal Government to implement measures to alleviate the effects of these changes on businesses like his.
Mixed Impact for Charcoal Seller Mrs Dorathy Boluwatife:
Mrs Dorathy Boluwatife, a charcoal seller in Wuse, has yet to experience the full impact of the fuel subsidy removal on her business.
As she still has old stock to sell, she has not increased the price of her goods.
Currently, she continues to sell charcoal at the normal price of N100 per nylon bag.
Boluwatife stated that if she orders more goods and notices an increase in price due to transportation costs, she will adjust the price accordingly.
For now, her business remains stable, and she still enjoys patronage.
Conclusion:
The removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has had varying effects on firewood and charcoal sellers in the FCT.
While some have experienced negative impacts, such as increased transportation costs and reduced profits, others are yet to feel the full consequences.
These sellers hope for improvements in the economic situation and urge the government to implement measures to alleviate the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy.