Traders in Kaduna State have called on the Federal and State Governments to provide urgent financial assistance as their businesses face mounting challenges due to inflation, dwindling consumer spending, and rising operational costs.

The appeal was made during a forum organized by the Kaduna State Market Traders Association, where several small and medium-sized business owners voiced frustration over declining sales, limited access to credit, and the growing cost of goods.

“We are barely surviving,” said Hadiza Ibrahim, a textile trader at Kaduna Central Market. “Customers can no longer afford basic items, and suppliers have increased prices. We need soft loans or grants to keep our shops open.”

Many traders attributed their struggles to the broader economic climate, including the naira’s depreciation and high transportation costs, which have further driven up the prices of goods. Some also lamented the lack of consistent power supply, which has forced them to rely on costly alternatives such as generators.

The association’s president, Mallam Usman Bako, appealed to both federal and state authorities to create targeted financial relief programs, including low-interest loans and business grants for traders, artisans, and micro-enterprises.

“Without intervention, thousands of businesses could shut down, worsening unemployment and insecurity,” Bako warned.

In response, officials from the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation acknowledged the concerns and said discussions were ongoing to expand existing microcredit schemes to reach more small business operators.

The traders’ plea comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic reforms, fuel subsidy removal, and the lingering effects of global market instability—all of which have had ripple effects on local economies.