On Monday, some leisure spot owners in Abuja decried low patronage during the Easter festivities.

They blamed the low patronage on economic hardship triggered by inflation, insecurity and cash scarcity.

According to Istifanus Nanu, the manager of Taminus Garden, Asokoro, sales have significantly decreased compared to 2022.

“During the Easter period in 2022, we had more sales. This may be because there was cash available, but this time around, we are recording low patronage. I think the people are economising the cash they have,’’ Mr Nanu said.

Julius Eke, the CEO of Islands Bar and Lounge at Guzape, said he observed a decrease in customers.

“Customers are no longer coming as before, and this did not just start with Easter. We started observing the decline since the currency redesign was introduced,’’ Mr Eke explained.

On his part, Fidelis Ehizoje, owner of a beer parlour in Karu, said weekends when he usually made around 80 per cent in sales had seen a dramatic decrease to 60 per cent.

“The increase in the price of drinks and other things we sell here is not just the problem; the major problem we are facing is the price of diesel, fuel, and electricity bills,” Mr Ehizoje stated. “The increase in the price of beers, wine, catfish and other things can be adjusted to the customer, but the prices of diesel and fuel are taken from the company’s account, which can ruin the business.”

He mentioned his business was “experiencing challenges with electronic transactions whereby some people come and buy things but cannot make electronic payment successfully.”

Mr Ehizoje added, “I want to urge the authorities to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to enable seamless electronic money transfer. This is important because it will help our business. Many customers lament the lack of cash, and this is affecting our sales drastically.”

Some customers blamed their irregular visits to leisure spots on inflation.

Emeka Anosike, who said he regularly visited leisure spots, expressed concern over the rising cost of living.

“I like to visit the gardens to watch football, particularly on weekends, but the high cost of things is scaring me away nowadays. Previously, my brand of beer was N500, but now it is N700,” stated Mr Anosike. “I used to buy an average-sized roasted fish for N2,000, but the price has jacked up to N2,500 and, in some cases N2, 800. If the trend continues, the chances of visiting leisure spots will reduce.”

Another customer, Sampson Salewa, said despite the challenges, insecurity was a major factor that discouraged him from going to leisure spots.

“But with the improved security situation, I am comfortable going to leisure spots to unwind, particularly during festive periods. You may have heard people saying a lot about the importance of tourism in many regards,” Mr Salewa explained. “When one elaborates on its economic effects, I am more interested in its impact on my life.”

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s headline inflation rate rose to 21.91 per cent in February 2023 compared to 21.82 in January, indicating an increase of 0.09 per cent.

The diesel price also increased from about N600 per litre in 2022 to over N800 in some parts of Nigeria, putting unprecedented stress on the economy and threatening businesses.

(NAN)