Some owners and operators of recreational centres and beer joints in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lamented the decline in business activities and customers’ patronage due to the rising cost of living.

The operators, who said this on Wednesday in separate interviews, complained that the situation triggered by fuel subsidy removal was worrisome.

They added that this had led many patrons to reduce their spending on activities like alcohol consumption and others.

A correspondent visited some recreation spots in the FCT over the weekend and observed dwindling patronage.

Chibuzo Nzewata, a proprietor of a recreation spot in Garki, who expressed concern over a decline in business activity, attributed low patronage to the removal of fuel subsidy.

 “Before now, we used to have a full arena, but it has reduced due to the high cost of living. People do not come out to patronise us like before,” he said.

Mr Nzewata added, “I know that removal of fuel subsidy has made most of my patrons cut back on spending on activities like alcohol consumption and others.”

Another operator of a pepper soup joint and bar, Julie Okoli, said business activity had been slow since the removal of the fuel subsidy.

“The problem is that the economy is so bad that people only save their money for food and nothing else.

“It is someone who has comfortably eaten that will talk of going out to the bar to drink with friends,’’ she lamented.

Similarly, Godwin Idoko, a proprietor of a recreation spot in Wuse Zone 5, who lamented low patronage, said his centre had a live band that entertains customers, but he needed more resources to afford to pay the drummers.

A correspondent also observed that most recreation centres in Wuse Zone 7 recorded low patronage.

Ugo Emmanuel, a proprietor of a popular recreation centre in Wuse II, decried the low turnout of customers and said, “I know our customers have limited their ways of merriment in order to conserve their dwindling income.”

Meanwhile, Augustine Eke, a customer, said he frequented a garden in Garki every Saturday but had to limit his visit to once a month due to an increase in the prices of drinks and others.

“Cost of living is high now; so, if one must survive in the present economy, it is important to reduce the way money is spent, especially when it comes to leisure,’’ he said.

Also, Ady Ihua, a civil servant, said he had reduced his patronage of the recreation centres from three times a week to weekends to save money for other engagements.

Patience John, a resident of Abuja, said that despite the high cost of living, she would always come out at least thrice a month to enjoy herself.

“As a single lady, I come out to have fun by myself, but at times, I meet guys here who pay for my drinks.

“There is a significant increase in all goods and services, and as someone who likes to hang out, even if they sell my brand for N2000, I will still buy it,” she said.
(NAN)