ABUJA, Nigeria — Despite directives from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), street hawkers continue to operate on major roads in Abuja, citing economic necessity.

On Herbert Macaulay Way, a key artery in the Federal Capital Territory, the afternoon bustle includes numerous individuals engaged in street vending. This activity persists despite efforts by the FCTA to clear them from such high-traffic areas.

The hawkers maintain that their livelihoods depend on these visible and accessible locations. They argue that alternative arrangements or support systems are insufficient to sustain them and their families.

The FCTA has previously stated its commitment to enforcing regulations against street trading, citing concerns over traffic congestion, public safety, and the aesthetics of the city. However, the continued presence of hawkers suggests a complex socio-economic challenge that requires more than just enforcement.

Many of these vendors are reportedly sole breadwinners, and the streets offer the most immediate opportunity for income. The defiance highlights the gap between regulatory aims and the ground realities faced by vulnerable populations in the capital.