- Transport fares skyrocket as families shelve traveling plans
About 15 days to Christmas, Nigerians have expressed displeasure over the prevailing harsh economic condition in the country, saying the usual lavish celebrations that are witnessed during the festive season would elude them this year.
They explained their plans of celebrating the yuletide within the available resources, saying they would only prioritise food during Christmas.
No thanks to skyrocketing prices of food items and hike in transportation fares.
This is coming as traders lamented low patronage, observing that their market places are yet to witness attendance that always characterise festive periods.
Nigerians are known for celebrating Christmas and New Year with flair, especially in the Southern and Eastern regions. These festivities typically involve large family reunions coupled with feasts featuring rice, chicken, and local delicacies, alongside the clinking of drink-filled glasses as families exchange gifts. Not only that, travel is an integral part of the holiday ritual, with many leaving the bustling cities for their country homes in a nostalgic pilgrimage that has become synonymous with the holiday season.
However, findings by The Point in some states across Nigeria revealed that many households would mark Christmas in low key this year.
Many capital cities that are always adorned with twinkling lights of Christmas decorations are yet to put the people in the mood of the season.
Fashion designers who used to be overwhelmed with sowing Christmas clothes weeks to the festivity, complained that they have been idle.
“A major quantity of local rice is N5, 000 and the bag is between N120, 000 and N150, 000 based on the quality and location in Nigeria. Foreign rice is N7, 500; beans N4, 800 per major and the bag goes for N200, 000; Turkey oil is N3, 000; palm oil N2, 000.”
Visits to motor parks showed that transporters are yet to also feel the economic gains the season hitherto ushered.
Even though the economy of Nigeria has never been perfect, currently, it has been in a state of flux as inflation rates continue to soar and unemployment keeps skyrocketing amid deepening poverty levels.
Things seem to have gotten worse following the removal of fuel subsidy without planned palliatives and the floatation of the naira which had led to the free-fall of the naira in value relative to other major currencies in the world.
Traditionally marked by joyous celebrations and indulgence, the holiday season now tests the resilience of families struggling to maintain cherished traditions amidst rising costs.
The dual impact of inflation and the naira’s depreciation has driven up the prices of staple goods, leaving many households unable to afford festive essentials.
As the holiday season approaches, Nigerians are bracing themselves for a challenging Christmas. The economic downturn, marked by soaring prices and stagnant salaries, has left many families struggling to make ends meet.
The festive season, traditionally marked by indulgence and celebration, now feels like a test of resilience for many families facing economic hardship. Inflation, coupled with the depreciation of the naira, has driven up the prices of staple goods, making it difficult for families to maintain their traditions.
Moreover, this month, most company employees will be going home for holidays leaving the fate of Nigerians in the hands of wholesalers who have already bought these food stuffs in bulk and have stored it in their warehouses for this reason. Now, it is a fact that retailers can’t have access to the companies as usual, they will have to purchase from the wholesalers.
This is because retailers mostly don’t have the capital to buy in bulk like the wholesalers who can keep the goods in large quantities that can suffice till January, when the companies resume their activities. No wonder the prices of goods and services in the market is relatively high because when demand is high and companies don’t function as usual the available goods stored by wholesalers become expensive.
For mothers like Mrs. Johnson, who has seven mouths to feed, the looming Christmas season presents a significant source of concern. “Affording new clothes for my children, let alone the festive food and new clothing, seems like an insurmountable task,” she laments. “The price surge across the board coupled with stagnant salaries that can’t feed us in a month, making our daily survival a challenging feat, let alone the holiday season.”
To gain insight into how families, especially men who are breadwinners of a family, this reporter caught up with Mr. Emmanuel, a father of five and a civil servant. Despite his complain of the naira’s loss of value, Mr. Emmanuel remains undaunted and has devised a strategy to navigate these hard times.
“We plan to cut down our expenses this year, focusing on the necessities like food,” he said optimistically.
“People should also understand us. Fuel prices are higher than ever, and if we don’t increase fares, we won’t make any profit. I feel bad for the passengers, but we have no choice. I know many people will not travel this year because it is just too expensive but for those that can afford it, we will be available to take them to their destinations.”
“We will prepare a simple meal even if there is no meat.
We will buy crayfish to enhance the taste. Meanwhile I will ensure that my children wash and iron the available clothes they have thoroughly and I will be their hype man on that day so that they will be cheered”.
When asked about potential government interventions, Emmanuel emphasizes the need for the government to come up with a strategy of sharing food items and clothing to communities in an open area.
“Disbursing of such items to community leaders and other authorities will encourage manipulation and lack of fair sharing,” he said.
Further insights were gathered from Mrs. Abigail, a clothing vendor, and Mr. Gabriel, a food stuffs retailer, explaining how the price surge from their suppliers has impacted their businesses.
Mrs. Abigail slashed her prices, which affected her profit margins, because when she went to get more items to restock her shop the prices had gone up again.
“The main reason prices are not static in the market is due to the company’s fluctuating rate daily and the cost of transporting the goods”, she said.
Gabriel on his part faces the dilemma of balancing the prices for the customers to be able to afford the food stuff.
Meanwhile, the cost of general goods and services is dynamic and he also needs the profits to be able to provide for his family, meaning that market produce is highly affected by the general inflation in the country, for instance, if fuel pump price is increased it affects the market too.
A market survey further revealed the current prices of essential goods, indicating the financial burden families are faced with as Christmas approaches.
A major quantity of local rice is N5, 000 and the bag is between N120, 000 and N150, 000 based on the quality and location in Nigeria. Foreign rice is N7, 500; beans N4, 800 per major and the bag goes for N200, 000; Turkey oil is N3, 000; palm oil N2, 000. A major of flour is N4, 000 while the bag is N63, 000; Sugar is N6, 000 per major while the bag is N81, 000. A crate of eggs is N6, 000; Maggi seasoning is N1, 400; medium size chicken N7, 000, basket of tomatoes N75, 000; a bag of pepper N67, 000 and big pepper N70, 000 while a bag of onions is N160, 000.
Prices for everyday necessities like cooking oil, flour, and seasoning have also surged, further compounding the financial strain.
Economic analysts warn that the holiday price surges reflect deeper systemic issues.
Dr. Adewale Folarin, an economist, notes that inflationary pressures and a weak naira have diminished household purchasing power.
“Without significant policy interventions to stabilize the currency and reduce logistics costs, festive seasons will continue to be a financial ordeal for many Nigerians,” he observes.
Social commentator Bola Akinyele added that the reliance on wholesalers during festive periods exposes gaps in Nigeria’s supply chain.
“Encouraging small-scale retailers to access credit and build capacity can mitigate the monopoly of wholesalers,” she suggests.
Despite the bleak outlook, many Nigerians are determined to uphold the spirit of Christmas.
Mrs. Johnson reflects, “Christmas is about family, love, and generosity, not just material possessions. We’ll celebrate with what we have and cherish the time together.”
This sentiment resonates with community leaders and organizations advocating for acts of kindness during the festive season. “Even small gestures can make a big difference,” says Reverend Peter Odukoya, urging Nigerians to support neighbors and strangers alike.
Most of the families that had been accustomed with the ritual of traveling to their country home for Christmas are changing their mind this year owing to the unfavourable economic condition.
For instance, a journey from Lagos to Enugu, which once cost between N7, 000 and N10, 000 last year depending on park and the comfort of the vehicle, now ranges from N30, 000 to N40, 000. For a family of five, the cost of simply going home for the holidays could amount to over N150, 000; a sum that is unfathomable for many Nigerians in the current economic climate.
Some of the families who shared their plans for Christmas revealed that they would only go with whatever their financial capacity could afford and cope with the season.
A married man in Osogbo, Kenneth Agaba, explained that he is not bothered about purchasing chicken for Christmas.
“My brother, (The Point reporter), the truth is that Nigeria is bleeding economically and everyone needs to wake up to this reality. I won’t do anything beyond my means. It is true that it has become a ritual for me to purchase chicken for my family, but, you see this year, I don’t think that will be possible.
“Before now, say two to three years ago, I would have gotten my chicken about two weeks before Christmas when it is supposed to be cheaper, but, I don’t need anyone to remind me that I don’t have the means. The last time I visited the market, I was told that a small chicken is N15, 000. So, if I am to buy a big one, that means I will be spending about N25, 000 to N30, 000. January is the longest month; I can’t afford to take such a risk. So, we have decided to go for buying beef this year and manage the Christmas season like that,” the businessman said.
Asked whether he was considering travelling to his native land for Christmas, Agaba, who hails from Enugu State, retorted, “You made me laugh! I just told you how I am planning to manage with my family in terms of food; you are asking if I would want to travel with my family to Enugu State. From Osogbo? That means I would have saved up to N300, 000 to be able to afford that.
“Though I used to travel before for Christmas, things have changed now. It is not when the economy was then that it is now. I am staying in Osogbo for Christmas and New Year celebrations. This year may not be as interesting as I expect but it is a time for everyone to adjust. My wife and children are already aware of my plans and so, everyone has got to sacrifice one thing or the other for peace to reign.”
Another Christian family that resides in Abuja, Mr and Mrs Gabriel Akintayo, believed that Christmas is only a day and that one needs not to overwork themselves.
“People need to understand that Christmas is only done in a day and the earlier they understand that, the better for them. At a time when there is an economic crisis like this, people need to restrategise. For us, we have decided that our children are not getting new clothes for Christmas. We have three kids and they are grown up. We sat ourselves down and informed ourselves of the realities on ground as regards the economy.
“Though it appears like a hard difficult decision, we need to keep existing. Since we have already removed new Christmas clothes for the children, we have some money to buy some rice to prepare. So, we still believe that the joy of the season will not elude us, not minding the fact that we made some uncomfortable decisions,” Mr Akintayo said.
For families like the Mbahs in Lagos, Christmas meals are looking slimmer this year.
“We usually buy a whole chicken for Christmas,” said Mrs. Okojie, a mother of four.
“But now, even a small chicken costs N10,000. We are thinking of just buying fish or even cutting down on the number of people we invite for Christmas dinner. It is such a sad choice but there is no option,” she added.
The spike in transportation costs has left many Nigerians who derive joy in travelling during festive periods worried about how they will manage this year’s holiday travel, which has become a cornerstone of the Nigerian festive experience. The increased fare is a reflection of broader inflationary pressures that have been building in the economy, exacerbated by the fuel subsidy removal.
For a commercial bus driver in Lagos, John Akpu, the situation has become difficult for them following worsening prices of fuel and motor parts.
He said, “We also agree that transportation fares are on the rise but the truth is that we cannot run at a loss.
People should also understand us. Fuel prices are higher than ever, and if we don’t increase fares, we won’t make any profit. I feel bad for the passengers, but we have no choice. I know many people will not travel this year because it is just too expensive but for those that can afford it, we will be available to take them to their destinations.”
Traders who don’t deal in foodstuffs are also lamenting low patronage. They said the end of each year has traditionally become a time for people to decorate their homes, change electrical gadgets and appliances for increased enjoyment of the season. However, the traders who sell electronics, interior decorations, furniture, carpets and paintings have complained of low sales.
Jude Ezego, a popular electronic merchant in Enugu, said, “This year is different. Before, as from the beginning of November, people have started patronising us because they would want to make their homes look more appealing with quality visuals and sounds. This is the second week of December and I can tell you that the market has not been moving.”
“Most of us who listen to news about the Nigerian economy are not surprised because when people can barely feed, then purchasing non-edible items will be secondary to them. We need a better economy that will restore the joy that we used to feel during seasons like this,” the businessman added.
Without a doubt, the broader economic context in Nigeria has weakened consumer purchasing power significantly.
Meanwhile, psychologists warn that the stress of dealing with financial difficulties during a traditionally joyous time can have long-term mental health effects.
“The festive season is meant to bring happiness, but when people are overwhelmed with financial anxieties, it can lead to depression and feelings of inadequacy,” said Dr. Chioma Okafor, a clinical psychologist based in Lagos.
“We are seeing more people seeking therapy because they cannot meet the expectations they have for the season, especially when it involves children and family,” the expert stated.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, some Nigerians are determined to make the best of a difficult situation.
Mr. Clifford Ndubisi, a trader in Onitsha, Anambra State, offered a note of optimism, saying, “Christmas is about more than just food and gifts. It is about family, togetherness, and love. Yes, things are tough this year, but we will find a way to celebrate, even if it means doing it on a smaller scale. The most important thing is that we are alive and together.”
For others, this year’s difficulties have sparked conversations about sustainability and community support.
Non-governmental organisations, churches, and local groups are ramping up efforts to distribute food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need while politicians who seek political offices are also seizing the helpless period to advance their ambition by inviting supporters, party loyalists and other residents to feats.
As Christmas and New Year festivities draw nearer, Nigerians are faced with the reality that this year’s celebrations will likely be less lavish than before.
Most of the respondents interviewed by The Point have disclosed their plans of coping, revealing how they intend to scale down their celebrations by opting for simpler meals and limited travel.
Notwithstanding the bleak outlook, the enduring spirit of resilience that has always characterised the Nigerians remains.
Some clergymen have charged Nigerians to be more peaceful and look beyond material things as they celebrate Christmas.
The Pastor in charge of St John Paul Catholic Church, Osogbo, Rev Fr Ambrose Olasinde, admonished Nigerians, especially Christians to seize the opportunity of Christ’s birth to reflect on their spiritual journey so far and be more loving towards their neighbours.
He said the nativity of Christ is a moment for believers to examine their purpose on earth and enthuse joy even in the midst of the present economic challenges.
“I just want to encourage Christians to prepare more in spirit than in flesh. What do I mean? The essence of the birth of Jesus Christ is for entrenchment of salvation for mankind. So, beyond the wining and dining that are known with the season, the most important thing for us is to focus on how we can get better in our relationship with God and our neighbours.
“Jesus Christ was sent to redeem us and so, even if this Christmas lacks the material abundance that is known with it, it is an opportunity for us to reflect, make fresh pact with Savour and neighbours and find joy in the little things.
“The true meaning of Christmas has always been about love, faith, and togetherness, and values that no economic hardship can take away. Therefore, even when I am disturbed about the hard times, I want Nigerians not to allow the joy which the nativity of the saviour brings to be dampened. Let us go into Christmas with the hope that the little we have will be more than enough for us. As the book of Corinthians makes us understand, Christ in all, Christ is all,” the priest said.
