•Abuja fun-seekers contend with throat-cutting prices of drinks, entertainments
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Residents of Abuja, whose nightlife scene is known for its energy and vibrancy now find themselves confronted with a new challenge, the rising cost of nightlife.
Gone are the days when a night out in Abuja was a casual and relaxing affair. Now, it seems that every step taken into the realm of after-hours entertainment comes with a hefty price tag.
From upscale nightclubs to trendy bars, the cost of entry, drinks, and even transportation has soared to new heights, leaving many residents grappling with the dilemma of how to balance their desire for social engagement with their budget constraints.
For young professionals, who seek solace in the city’s vibrant nightlife after long, exhaustive days at work, this escalating financial burden poses a challenge.
There is no denying the attraction of a refreshing evening chill out but the current question on the lips of many residents is “at what cost?” As charges for night entertainment skyrocket and drinks as well as other items prices escalate, the prospect of a carefree, unwinding evening in the town seems like a luxury reserved for the few privileged and well to do.
For instance, a medium-sized grilled catfish, (a nightlife staple of the city) that used to cost about N6,000 in 2023 now goes for as high as N12,000 in many outlets. Even the cost of a bottle of beer has increased. Nigeria Brewery has warned that there would be further price hikes in the days ahead.
The impact of these heightened costs is not only felt by night life enthusiasts, vendors and establishments are also grappling with escalating expenses. From clubs to bars to restaurants, those who contribute to the city’s after-hour allure are feeling the strain of rising costs.
One of the primary concerns for nightlife vendors in Abuja is the increasing prices of essential supplies and services. Whether it’s liquor, food, or entertainment, the cost of sourcing these items are steadily climbing, putting pressure on profit margins and operational sustainability.
Additionally, the high expenses related to rent, utilities and staffing are worsening the financial burden on nightlife businesses. Many vendors are finding it increasingly difficult to balance the books while providing quality services and experiences to their customers.
In response to these challenges, the vendors are calling for support and understanding from both the community and relevant authorities. They emphasise the need for feasible solutions, such as regulatory adjustments, financial assistance and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of the cost surge.
Some residents are already seeking alternative avenues for nighttime enjoyment, exploring grassroots initiatives, community events, picnics and other activities that offer a more affordable, however, less glamorous alternative to the city’s high-end hotspots.
Kule Majid, a nightlife enthusiast, said: “I used to enjoy going out in Abuja, but these rising costs are making it harder to have a good time without breaking the bank. It is becoming a luxury I cannot always afford.”
Sani Garba, fresh catfish vendor in Karonmajigi, lamented: “Only rich people can now afford to eat catfish. First, they increased the price from N34,000 it was last year, to N45,000 this January. Just last Sunday, they increased it again to N56,000. As we speak now, our suppliers are on strike because of this issue.
“You know they bring the fish from Oyo and Ogun states. They are complaining of the high cost of transportation. I also heard that the cost of feeds has gone up as well. The ones you see here are those that I had to run around and get from the fish farms around Abuja.
“If you go to the fish market in Live Camp, you will not even get fish right now. If not for some of my customers that keep encouraging and patronising me, I was already planning on abandoning this business and looking for something else to do, because it is no longer profitable. When I calculate the money I spend on transportation sourcing for the fish it is too much.
“The small ones we used to sell for N700 to N800 are now sold for N2000. The medium ones that were at N1,200-1,500 are sold for N3,000 now. The big sizes are sold for as high as N7,000.”
Rose Numbe, who grills and sells fish at a bar along the Airport Road, Lugbe, said: “The rising costs are squeezing our profits and making it challenging to provide quality services. Customers are complaining and blaming us for the increase in the prices of the fish but they do not know that we are even feeling the heat more.
“Aside from the fact that the price I get the fish for has tripled, the price of wrapping foil, charcoal, vegetables and other items that I use for preparing the fish have all also gone up. We are just barely surviving this period. Now a lot of them just opt for suya when they hear the new price.”
James, a long-time resident of Abuja, said: “The nightlife in Abuja used to be lively and quite affordable, but now it feels like only the wealthy can fully enjoy it. The rising costs are pricing out many of us who used to love going out. I used to hang out with my friends almost every evening after work but now I have reduced the frequency to once or twice a week because of the economy.”