Hey there, middle schoolers! So, there are these hawkers in Abuja who are asking the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for some help. They want him to support their businesses instead of taking away their way of making a living.
These hawkers have been selling their stuff on the streets of Abuja, but recently the FCT minister banned them from doing that. He said that these street traders contribute to the insecurity and criminal activities in the city, so he wants them to leave.
But the hawkers are saying, “Hold on a minute! We can actually help boost Abuja’s economy if you let us keep selling our stuff.” They want the government to support them financially and provide them with a place to sell their goods.
One of the hawkers, Mrs Mercy Job, who sells fruits, said that she can’t afford to rent a shop, so she has to sell her fruits on the roadside. She knows it’s risky, but she doesn’t have any other choice. She just wants the government to help her and others like her by giving them an affordable place to sell their goods.
Another hawker, Mrs Fatima Alayo, who sells soft drinks and snacks, said that if they are not allowed to sell on the streets anymore, life will become even more difficult for them. Renting a shop in the popular markets of Abuja is very expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Some businesses don’t even need a shop, so it’s not fair to ask them to spend so much money.
