Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, say they have scaled down their Easter celebrations in response to rising economic pressures.

The residents spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

They said that although Easter remained spiritually significant, the rising cost of living had compelled them to rethink their usual celebration plans.

A resident of the FCT, Miss Favour Ayuba, said financial constraints had left her with no option but to forgo elaborate celebrations.

She said she would spend the period resting at home with her extended family.

“Things are hard and I don’t have money to travel or celebrate in a big way, so I will stay at home with my family and relax,” she said.

Ayuba added that celebrating the “reason for the season” in church was more meaningful than engaging in recreational activities that required additional spending.

Similarly, Miss Titilayo Alabi, a resident of Gwagwalada, said she could not afford new clothes for the season due to the high cost of tailoring services but would observe the celebration quietly at home.

She, however, said that financial constraints would not deter her joy, stressing that the spiritual significance of Easter remained paramount.

Alabi added that the high cost of transportation discouraged visitations within the city.

Another resident, Mrs Abiemwense Moru, who is also a civil servant, said her family had initially planned to travel for Easter but cancelled the trip at short notice following a change in arrangements by their intended hosts.

She said the family might either stay indoors or engage in social activities after church service on Sunday, depending on circumstances.

Moru attributed the inability of many residents to celebrate extensively to rising living costs and urged government to go beyond policy pronouncements by ensuring effective implementation of measures aimed at easing economic hardship.

Also speaking, Mrs Ese Williams, a resident of Kubwa, said she would attend church services and spend time with friends instead of travelling due to high transportation costs.

Williams described Easter as a period of gratitude and reflection but expressed concern over the rising cost of fuel, transportation and food.

She said: “Many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs, especially food.

“In spite of the challenges, I am optimistic that the Easter celebration will foster more unity, hope and love among Nigerians.

“It is the Holy week for Christians and the time to share love, while remaining hopeful and trusting God for a turnaround in the economic situation.”

She called on government to improve infrastructure, electricity supply, healthcare and security, while also addressing the rising cost of fuel and basic necessities.