Major business premises in the Federal Capital Territory are currently deserted and businesses shut as protesters begin demonstration at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, popular locations such as Bannex Plaza in Wuse II, Emab Plaza, Wuse Market, and several other malls and stores in the city center were deserted.
Most business owners decided to remain at home due to fears of potential violence, looting, and concerns for their personal safety.
Richard Ugo, a thrift ware dealer at Wuse Market, stated that security concerns prompted him to stay home, adding that there may be no customers anyway.
“My life comes first before any business. I won’t open the market until I receive an alert that everything is calm,” he said.
Emmanuel Nonye, an entrepreneur at Bannex Plaza, mentioned that he attempted to open his business but found the entire plaza and surrounding streets deserted, which forced him to lock up and return home.
“There is uncertainty about how the protest will turn out, so business owners are exercising caution. There will be no business today, at least. We will keep monitoring the situation,” Nonye explained.
Meanwhile, protesters had already gathered at the National Stadium to press their demands, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough” and “End Bad Governance Now.” They were also raising the Nigerian flag.
Businessday observed a heavy security presence within the city center, especially around the National Assembly and Federal Secretariat.
Mobility is also difficult for commuters, as there are very few public vehicles on the road, forcing many people
