By: Ayoade Esther Damola
All around the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, it was the same cry by market traders. The market has been slow since the commencement of fasting.
Making matters worse both major religious groups in the country- Christians and Muslims were involved in the religious rites simultaneously. The economic impact was so great the marketers complained.
Visits to major markets across the seat of power showed the same pattern, slow activities. Markets that were known for beehives of activities suddenly became quite and one can easily count the numbers of people who came to the market on one’s finger tips. 
In Nyanya Market, outskirt of FCT,Abuja Nigeria. Market traders have expressed concerns over sluggish sales during the ongoing period of Ramadan and Lent. The usually bustling market, particularly on Wednesdays, was notably quiet on February 25th, 2026, as customers seemed to be opting for ready-cooked meals in the evenings instead of purchasing raw food items.
“You see this beans ehn last year na 700 we dey sell am but this year the price don go up to 1500”madam Fatima(a market trader).
She noted that the prices of certain food items are not stable compared to last year 2025 with increases seen in products like beans: mudu 1500, groundnut oil: 1 liter 4000, and egusi: cup 1200, while prices for tomatoes have decreased from N35,000 to N18,000 big baskets. Despite the price drops, traders lamented that the reduced profit margins have impacted their businesses .
Another onions seller Stella “ Any time people see say price don rise na so dey go rush come market come buy but as soon as the price don go down like this dey no go even come again, as price dey go down e dey really affect us o” They explained that higher prices tend to drive increased sales as customers rush to make purchases before further price hikes.
Also before the Ramadan and lent started the traders confirmed that reductions in prices of goods had led to a rise in the number of customers which delighted market traders
Another trader selling beans, garri, and local rice lamented about decline in sales during the Ramadan and Lent period.
“ As this fasting started, I found it difficult to make sales. I only come to the shop to sit from morning till night without making any sales”, mama Praise said.
She attributed this downturn to customers fasting, leading to reduced demand for food items. She expressed concerns about some food items getting damaged due to inability to make sales.
