Residents of Abuja have expressed growing frustration over the sharp increase in the cost of henna decoration as preparations for Eid celebrations intensify across the Federal Capital Territory.
Many women and young girls who traditionally adorn their hands with intricate henna designs for the festive season say the current prices are becoming unaffordable. What used to be a common and accessible beauty practice during Eid is now turning into a luxury for some families.
A resident, Hajara, voiced her dissatisfaction, questioning the sudden spike in prices. According to her, henna designs that previously cost between ₦8,000 and ₦10,000, depending on the style and complexity, are now being charged as high as ₦25,000 to ₦40,000.
“I don’t understand why the prices have gone this high,” she lamented. “It’s the same designs, same materials, but the cost has more than doubled. It’s not fair, especially during a festive period like Eid, when people are already spending on many things.”
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Hajara also raised concerns about the welfare of young women recruited to work as henna decorators. She alleged that despite the high fees being charged, many of these workers do not receive a fair share of the income.
“The most painful part is that the young ladies doing the actual work are not even benefiting much from the money being charged,” she added. “They are the ones putting in the effort, yet they don’t get a significant portion of what customers pay.”
Other residents echoed similar concerns, calling for more transparency in pricing and better treatment of workers within the henna business. Some urged authorities and community leaders to look into the matter, while others appealed to business owners to consider the economic realities faced by many Nigerians.
As Eid approaches, the rising cost of henna has become another source of concern for Abuja residents, highlighting broader issues of inflation and fair labor practices in seasonal businesses.
