If Your Salary Isn't Up to 300k, the Difference Between You and Almajiri is the Plate - Okai says

 

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Usman Austin Okai, has expressed concern over the increasing financial pressure faced by residents of Abuja, particularly low-income workers.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Okai advised residents to explore businesses and other sources of income amid the rising cost of living in the Federal Capital Territory.

He argued that the declining value of the naira had significantly weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians, making it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs with their salaries.

According to him, earning less than ₦300,000 monthly in Abuja leaves many workers struggling to maintain a decent standard of living.

Okai wrote, "If your salary is not up to at least 300k in Abuja, the difference between you and Almajiri is just the plate. Business better alternative now. Our currency is destroyed."

Housing remains one of the major financial burdens for Abuja residents.

Rental costs in high-demand districts such as Wuse, Maitama and Asokoro can be substantial, while residents in areas including Lugbe, Kubwa and Nyanya also face significant annual rent payments.

The rising prices of food have further stretched household finances, with staples and other commonly purchased items such as rice, eggs, bread, tomatoes, cooking oil and chicken becoming considerably more expensive compared with previous years.

Transportation costs have also increased, particularly for workers who travel daily between their homes and places of employment.

The rise in petrol prices following the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 has contributed to higher fares and increased commuting expenses.

Petrol prices currently range from roughly ₦1,185 to ₦1,275 per litre in Abuja and several other major cities, significantly above the pre-subsidy-removal range of about ₦185 to ₦200.

The combined effects of higher fuel costs, naira depreciation, increased food prices and expensive accommodation have continued to put pressure on household incomes across the Federal Capital Territory.