The rising cases of criminal activities in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, has left an undesirable economic impact on residents, according to a report from the police intelligence published in january 2024. The current atmosphere of insecurity in Nigeria’s Abuja has contributed to a downturn in economic activities by 33 per cent. businesses in the country are grappling with a decline in revenues amidst a surge in insecurity. The federal government due to this plague is putting collective strategies to reduce the crime wave.
Delving into the economic implications, stemming from surge in criminal acts in Nigeria and major cities like Abuja has had a major impact on residents.The current atmosphere of insecurity has contributed to a downturn in economic activities, particularly impacting nightlife such as night markets, hangout spots and recreational and entertainment spots, reports habitants . This has resulted, according to economists, in a 33 % downturn in economic activities. The surge in crime rates is resulting in a decline in property values, especially in affected areas like Bwari and its surroundings. This has resulted in landlords grappling with the repercussions as a significant number of individuals are relocating from these regions.
Our customers come from major towns and some of them leave town and people don’t want to stay out for long. On nights like this we should have a bigger turn out but people are more cautious.
Obim David, Business owner – Nigeria
The Police report showed that about 283 individuals were abducted between 15 January 2023 and 15 January 2024, a situation which the government is tackling as security measures are intensified . To curtail the growing criminal incidents, police Intelligence recommends the urgent need for proactive government intervention to apprehend perpetrators and set a precedent, discouraging others from engaging in such criminal activities.
It has been more difficult for us these days because people don’t want to go far from cities because of the insurgence of insecurity, causing our business to sink.
Amilarachi Pete, Trader – Nigeria
The federal government has planned to organize a dialogue with local residents and to better understand their needs on how to protect them. Nevertheless , the latter response was to Introduce a governor, or ideally a mayor with autonomous executive powers separate from the federal government, would instigate accountability and prompt the adoption of protective measures
