Yuletide: FCT residents express mixed reactions
Christmas
By Reporters
Abuja, Dec. 10, 2025 (NAN) A cross section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed mixed reactions ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
The residents who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said preparations were ongoing, with some expressing relief that prices of certain food items were lower.
Others, however, cited insecurity and the rising cost of transportation as major concerns.
One of the residents, Mr Chibuzor Charles, said that he had decided not to travel due to the insecurity and high cost of transportation.
According to him, transport fares are expensive, and I will prefer to spend the celebration in Abuja with my family.
“Last year, I traveled to my village, Enugu state with not more than N50, 000 including my food on the way.
“Now I will need to budget nothing less than a N100, 000, just for transportation to my village.
“Instead of doing that, I will use the money to celebrate here in Abuja and send some money home,’’ he said
Mrs Tola Adeniran, a teacher, said her preparations for Christmas this year focused on early planning due to rising prices.
According to her, I have bought most of the items I need for the celebrations before prices will skyrocket.
“I started buying non-perishable food items and small gifts for my Kids earlier this month.
“I don’t want to wait until the last minute rush when everything becomes more expensive,” she said.
Similarly, Mr David Oche, a public transport driver, said that he was preparing for the festivities by increasing his savings ahead of Christmas.
According to him, December comes with more expenses and I have been setting aside my daily earnings to enable me celebrate well.
Miss Faith Okafor, a teacher, said that she started making plans earlier in the year for the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
According to her, the prices of some food items are better now than what it was last year, especially ahead of Christmas.
Mrs Joy Adebola, a seamstress, said she had already purchased some food items ahead of the celebrations.
“Last year I bought a big bowl of rice for ₦95,500. This year, I bought the same size for ₦55,000. So things are a bit better.
She added that in spite the increase in the cost of chicken, she still planned to buy some for Christmas.
“Chicken is very expensive, but no matter what, I must buy it for my family,” she said.
Miss Mary Okechukwu, a counter server, said she would spend Christmas at work.
She noted that she would be on duty on Christmas Day and that workers do not go on breaks during festive periods. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Reporters/DE/EAL
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ekemini Ladejobi