Operators of restaurants and relaxation points across Abuja are facing significant distress as their businesses are experiencing a severe drop in patronage. Many have attributed the downturn to the ongoing New Year fasting and prayers proclaimed by several Pentecostal churches, which have led to a notable reduction in customers, particularly among Christian communities.
Impact on Local Food Vendors
Madam Edo, a popular food vendor known for her fried yam, “Boli,” and “Akara” at Utako Market, has reported a sharp decline in the number of her regular customers. According to Madam Edo, the fast has resulted in weeks of very low sales, and she noticed that many of her customers, who are predominantly Christian, have avoided her shop during this period.
“When I saw one of my regular customers a few days ago, I was curious as to why she had stopped coming,” said Madam Edo. “She couldn’t respond, and it was only when a friend of hers whispered that they were fasting that I understood why. I am also fasting and praying for divine intervention, and I hope things improve for all of us soon.”
A Nationwide Phenomenon
The situation is not isolated. Joy Adeh, a restaurant operator at Liberty Junction, Kubwa, known as “Kpai Kpai,” also shared similar challenges. She acknowledged that the annual fasting period always brings a dip in sales, as a large percentage of her customers are churchgoers, especially those from Pentecostal churches. Despite preparing a menu that aligns with the fasting period, she admitted that the drop in sales was unavoidable.
“The experience is not new to me. We always prepare for this period because we know many of our customers are fasting,” said Adeh. “While I understand the spiritual benefits of fasting, it does affect my sales. I remain hopeful that the fasting period will end soon, and businesses will recover.”
A Broader Economic Impact
In addition to food vendors, other businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors are facing similar struggles. Eunice, a food vendor at the Federal Secretariat Car Park, described her sales as barely half of what they were before the fasting period began. “I’m glad some churches will be concluding their fasting soon,” Eunice said. “The economic strain on businesses is visible, and if this continues, many households could face even more challenges. I pray for a change in the country’s economic situation and for leaders to implement favorable policies for the common man.”
The IJ Babe Bar owner at Wuse Zone 6 echoed these concerns. Sales, particularly alcohol, have plummeted, as many of her customers have chosen to participate in the fast. “Most of my customers have turned ‘saints’ because of the fasting,” she remarked. “Though I’m not against the fasting exercise, it has definitely affected my business. I look forward to the conclusion of the fast.”
Spiritual Reflection and Economic Strain
While many business operators are struggling, religious leaders have expressed the importance of the fasting period. Pastor John Aho, the General Overseer of Jesus Solution Ground Ministry in Kubwa, emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and prayer. He reassured believers that their sacrifices would result in blessings and divine protection for the New Year.
“God told me that Nigeria will be great again,” Pastor Aho said. “This fasting period is a time to spiritually prepare for the good things that God is about to release for Nigerians. While the devil may try to stop this, the rewards of fasting are immense for those who diligently partake.”
A senior pastor who preferred to remain anonymous also supported this view, reinforcing that the fasting exercise is a divine directive, with numerous signs and wonders accompanying the spiritual practice. “Only those who conscientiously participate in the fasting will experience the benefits,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As the fasting period nears its conclusion, businesses, especially in the food and hospitality sectors, are hopeful for a rebound. While some operators remain optimistic that their customers will return once the fast concludes, the economic impact of the fasting period has brought attention to the struggles of many small businesses.
As Abuja’s food vendors and restaurant owners await the end of the fasting period, they remain hopeful for a quick recovery, praying that the economic situation will improve and their businesses will once again thrive.
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