The festive season in Nigeria, traditionally marked by family gatherings and elaborate celebrations, is being overshadowed by economic hardship, forcing many citizens to alter their Christmas plans. Low key Christmas indicated by rising transportation costs, skyrocketing food prices. Coupled with stagnant incomes, the holiday spirit is dampening, as revealed in interviews conducted by Juliet Jacob, correspondent for Africa Health Report.
“I wish I could travel”: Rising Transportation Costs Affect Family Plans
Mrs. Chinyere, a resident of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed her disappointment over her inability to travel home for Christmas due to financial constraints.
“I really wish to travel to celebrate the Christmas period with my parents, but in this present economy, I will not be able to travel because of the high transportation costs and foodstuff,” she said.
She further highlighted the increase in travel expenses: “Those days, traveling to my village didn’t cost more than ₦15,000. But now, transportation costs range from ₦35,000 to ₦40,000. With my three kids, that would be too much. Instead, I’ll send my parents the money and celebrate Christmas here with my family. Things are really hard. Even though I don’t have much, I feel for others who have less.”
A Father’s Dilemma: Choosing Between Family and Obligations
Mr. Joseph, a resident of Kubwa in the FCT, shared his struggle with balancing family and personal commitments. He explained that he would be traveling for his younger brother’s wedding but leaving his wife and children behind due to financial constraints.
“Yes, I’ll be traveling for the Christmas celebration, but not with my wife and children because of the high cost of transportation,” he stated. “If not for my younger brother’s wedding, I wouldn’t even think of traveling. Imagine traveling without my wife and children to my own brother’s wedding because of lack of money. Nigeria is hard. Even as we work, our salaries can no longer sustain us. I pray things get better soon before people die of poverty.”
Skyrocketing Food Prices: A Bag of Rice Now a Luxury
The rising cost of food items has further compounded the difficulties faced by Nigerians. A rice seller at Dutse Market, popularly known as Monday Market, revealed that the price of a 50kg bag of rice now ranges between ₦88,000 and ₦100,000, depending on the brand.
“Things have really increased in the market,” said Mrs. Mary. “In the past, a bag of rice cost ₦8,000 to ₦10,000. Now, families are struggling to buy even a single bag. Some customers now buy one bag to share between two families. I used to organize food contributions where people could get rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti, and other items. This year, some people’s contributions could not even buy them a full bag of rice. We had to split it between families. Things are really bad in this country; it’s only God that can help us.”
As the holiday approaches, Nigerians are finding ways to adjust to the economic realities. However, the financial strain has cast a shadow over what is traditionally a season of joy and togetherness.
