A cross-section of hawkers in Abuja has pleaded with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to support them in growing their businesses rather than take away their means of livelihood.

The hawkers, who had been trading on various streets of the FCT, made the plea in separate interviews on Friday.

The FCT minister recently banned the activities of street traders within the Abuja metropolis.

Mr Wike had said it became necessary for corn sellers, cloth sellers and other street hawkers to vacate their locations because they contribute to the insecurity and criminal activities in the nation’s capital.

Mercy Job, a fruit seller, said the government should support them, adding that their sales would go a long way in boosting the Abuja economy rather than stopping them.

” The minister can create a platform that will help us financially to support our small businesses instead of sending us away from the roads with nowhere to relocate us to.

”Hawking is our source of livelihood, and we will appreciate it if the FCT administration will support to provide an affordable place for us,” she said.

Also, Fatima Alayo, who sells soft drinks and snacks, said taking street hawking away from the city centre would only make life more difficult for them.

According to her, renting a shop within the popular markets in the metropolis will cost nothing less than N500,000 to N700,000.

” We are trying to help ourselves. I don’t have anywhere to go; it is this business that I am using to cater for my family,” Ms Alayo said.

She urged the FCT administration to reconsider and have better measures that could bring succour to the masses amidst the present hardship in the country.

However, another hawker, Abubakar Isah, said he had other businesses that could fetch him money if eventually taken off the street.

”If they say they do not want us on the streets, I can relocate and continue my other businesses. It won’t be a challenge for me,” Mr Isah said.