N1,800 Fixed-Price Shop Draws Large Crowds in Abuja

A shop in Lugbe, Abuja, where most items are sold for N1,800, has attracted a growing number of shoppers looking for affordable household, school and personal items.

A visit by LEADERSHIP to the store on Sunday showed a rush of customers moving through the shop and queuing to select products they wanted to purchase.

The Chinese-owned store, known as Low Cost World, has become a talking point among residents of the Federal Capital Territory because of its wide range of products sold at the same price.

The retailer operates in different parts of Abuja, including Lugbe, where shoppers can browse shelves stocked with kitchen utensils, tableware, glassware, ceramics, toys, cosmetics, clothing, hardware tools and other household and office items.

At its Market Square outlet, located in the former ShopRite building in Lugbe, shoppers were seen moving between different sections of the store, picking up products and filling their baskets with items carrying the N1,800 price tag.

While most of the products are sold for N1,800, a small number of items are priced higher, with their individual prices clearly displayed.

One of the shoppers, Angela Adah, said she visited the Lugbe outlet to purchase school items for her children and kitchen utensils.

According to her, the fixed pricing was one of the reasons she decided to check out the store.

“I came mainly to get a few things for my children because schools will soon be demanding different items. When I got here, I also saw some kitchen utensils that I liked, so I started adding them to my basket,” she said.

Adah also noted that the uniform pricing could encourage shoppers to purchase more items than they originally intended.

“The N1,800 price looks small when you are picking one item, but when you pick ten or 20 things, you will realise that you have spent quite a lot. That is something shoppers have to keep in mind,” she added.

Another customer, Chinedu Okafor, said the wide variety of products was one of the major attractions of the store.

“You can come looking for one thing and end up seeing several other things you did not plan to buy. There are kitchen items, children’s things, decorations and many other products. The fact that most of them have the same price makes shopping interesting,” he said.

The growing patronage of the store comes as consumers continue to look for cheaper options across different categories of goods, with the fixed-price model giving shoppers the opportunity to find a variety of products under one price point.

The post Abuja Residents Flock to Lugbe Store Over N1,800 Price Tag appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Housing is one of the most fundamental human needs, yet it remains a major challenge in many developing countries like Nigeria. The percentage of people without proper housing continues to rise daily. On the streets of Abuja, homeless people without shelter are still a common sight.

Getting accommodation in urban cities like Abuja is very costly and time-consuming. You have to navigate agents, caretakers, and landlords before securing a place to stay. The cost of renting an apartment in prime areas such as Asokoro, Wuse, and Maitama is beyond the reach of most civil servants and low-income earners. As a result, many people are relocating to the suburbs, where rents are relatively cheaper—though still not affordable for many. These people endure long daily commutes to work in the city center.

This scramble for housing has led to the emergence of many largely unplanned settlements, contributing to environmental and social degradation.

Lugbe is the urban fringe of Abuja. Its proximity to town makes it a preferred location for low- and middle-income earners. However, the ongoing inflation in the country has further worsened the housing crisis in Lugbe, making it difficult for many residents to afford rent. Houseowners have increased prices astronomically, while tenants are struggling to pay rent.

Mrs. Aisha Nuhu, a civil servant and homeowner, revealed that in 2022, she rented out her two-bedroom apartment for ₦500,000. However, the same apartment now costs ₦1.2 million.

“You cannot blame us as houseowners for increasing rents,” she said. “A bag of cement now sells for ₦12,000, renovation is costly, and we pass the cost to the tenants.”

Taiwo Ojo, a middle-aged tenant in a one-bedroom apartment, expressed his frustration, stating that the rising cost of living is alarming. With landlords continuously increasing rent, the situation is becoming unbearable.

“Last year, I paid ₦300,000 for my one-bedroom apartment, and this year I am asked to pay ₦500,000. How much am I earning?”

The situation is frightening. The government must wake up to its responsibility. Housing is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Urgent measures should be put in place to tackle inflation and make housing more affordable for the average Nigerian.

The post Lugbe’s Housing Nightmare: Rising Rents, Falling Incomes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Navigating the housing market in Nigeria’s capital can be daunting, especially for residents and new settlers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options.

Housing TV Africa explores the top 10 most budget-friendly areas in Abuja, helping you find a cheap, comfortable, livable, and convenient home.

Karu
On the outskirts of Abuja, Karu offers a vibrant atmosphere with various apartments, bungalows, and shared accommodations at competitive prices. Its easy access to the city Centre makes it ideal for those seeking affordability and a lively environment. The reconstructed Keffi/Lafia/Mararaba road has made this area attractive to new settlers within the city. Estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment here is ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000 per year.

Idu
Idu caters to those prioritising affordability above all else. This industrial cluster is home to Base University, National Open University, Nile University, Cocacola, many Industries and housing estates. It boasts some of the most affordable housing options in Abuja, focusing on basic accommodation needs. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦700,000 – ₦800,000 per year.

Lugbe
Lugbe is rapidly developing with a growing population and offers a range of affordable housing options, including apartments within estates and self-contained units. The area is well-connected to other parts of Abuja with the 10-lane Abuja Airport Road running through it, making it a convenient and budget-friendly choice for residents. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,500,000 per year.

Kubwa
A perennial favourite, Kubwa boasts a well-established infrastructure and a strong sense of community. It is noted for its rocky nature and is home to the FCT NYSC Orientation Camp. It offers a variety of apartments, bungalows, and self-contained units at competitive rates, ideal for first-time renters and buyers seeking affordability. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,000,000 per year.

Dawaki
Dawaki, under the Bwari Area Council administration, is a primarily residential area situated about 20 minutes from the Central Business District (CBD). The Murtala Mohammed Expressway provides easy access, and the district boasts a decent supply of water and electricity. Its rapid growth attracts people seeking affordable accommodation. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,200,000 per year.

Kuje
Kuje, the headquarters of Kuje Area Council is located a few kilometers away from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with affordable housing options. It is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet environment and don’t mind being slightly further away from the city centre. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,000,000 per year.

Nyanya
With its proximity to Asokoro, one of Abuja’s most luxurious neighbourhoods. Nyanya is a thriving commercial hub that offers a unique blend of affordability and a bustling market atmosphere. It boasts a variety of apartments and self-contained units at attractive prices, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and those who enjoy the energy of a commercial area. Abuja residents code-named this area the Lagos of Abuja because of its heavy vehicular traffic. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦1500,000 – ₦2,000,000 per year.

Lokogoma
Lokogoma Located approximately 17 minutes from the CBD, is serviced by the Lokogoma Expressway, connecting it with other neighborhoods like Jabi and Idu. The area offers a variety of housing options at competitive rates and is noted for its many housing estates. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦2,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 per year.

Galadimawa
This middle-class-dominated District, located about 17 minutes from the CBD of Abuja, offers a balance between affordability and convenience. A three-bedroom flat with utilities typically ranges from ₦2,500,000 to ₦3,500,000 per year and estimated rent for a 3-bedroom non-serviced apartment is ₦2,200,000 – ₦3,000,000 per year.

Karshi
Escape the hustle and bustle in Karshi, a serene getaway on the outskirts of Abuja. This area offers a peaceful environment with a range of affordable housing options, making it a budget-friendly haven for nature lovers seeking tranquillity. Here, the estimated rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is ₦2,00,000 – ₦3000,000 per year.

Navigating the housing market in Abuja can be challenging, but with this guide, you’re equipped with knowledge of the most affordable neighbourhoods in the city. From the vibrant atmosphere of Karu to the peaceful serenity of Karshi, each area offers a unique blend of affordability and convenience. Happy house hunting!

The post Top 10 Areas to Find Cheap Accommodation In Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.