A cross-section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory has expressed mixed reactions ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.

The residents who spoke in separate interviews on Wednesday said preparations were ongoing, with some expressing relief that prices of certain food items were lower.

Others, however, cited insecurity and rising transportation costs as major concerns. One of the residents, 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 he would prefer to spend the celebration in Abuja with his family.

“Last year, I travelled 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 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.

Tola Adeniran, a teacher, said her Christmas preparations this year focused on early planning due to rising prices.

“I have bought most of the items I need for the celebrations before prices 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, David Oche, a public transport driver, said that he was preparing for the festivities by increasing his savings ahead of Christmas.

He said, “December comes with more expenses, and I have been setting aside my daily earnings to enable me to celebrate well.”

Faith Okafor, a teacher, said she began planning for the 2025 Christmas celebrations earlier in the year. According to her, the prices of some food items are better now than they were last year, especially ahead of Christmas.

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 said.

She added that, despite the increase in chicken prices, 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.

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)