Rising cost of living may drain Christmas joy for Nigerians

Some Nigerians have said the rising cost of living, hike in transportation fare and the harsh economy would drain their Christmas joy as Christians across the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a country, where more than half of the population of 200 million live on less than $2 a day, every little price increase puts a significant strain on household incomes. Atleast 133 million people suffer from ” multi-dimensional poverty”, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, which says citizens spend about half of their income on food and another 20 percent on transportation.

This strain has become even more evident during the yuletide season as families cap their expenses. It is quick to say Christmas has lost its cheer this year.

Speaking with some families on how they are preparing for the 2023 Christmas and new year celebrations, WesternPost reliably gathered that the gradual resurfacing of Naira scarcity, high inflation and food cost may make Nigerians experience bleak Christmas celebration.

Mr Adegbenro Moody, who is a Cleric living in Owo town , said his family would not celebrate the season the way they usually do because of the current economic reality.

Moody explained that previously extended family members join him in celebrating Christmas, adding that due to high cost of transportation fare, his family might not travel.

A staff of a new generation bank, Omoyeni Olatunbosun while speaking with Mosun Ayobami, WesternPost Correspondent in Ilorin, said that she would not entertain visitors on Christmas day due to financial constraint.

Olatunbosun added that she would stay indoor and not travel to celebrate with her extended family due to high cost of transportation.

” I intended to spend this year Christmas in my house, to have a good sleep, good food and watch movies. I may not be able to entertain visitors as usual because of the economy situation. No I will not be traveling home this year”, said the Banker.

Also, a civil servant, Ms Blessing Aina, said it would be safe to celebrate the Christmas with what one could afford than what one wants.

Aina said although she would travel to celebrate with her family but that she would stay indoor with her parent than visiting relatives because of cost.

” Going by the reality of Nigeria’s economy, I would rather celebrate this Christmas based on what I have and not what I would want.

“Although, I will be traveling with my family to celebrate with my parents in the village, I will choose to remain indoor there instead of visiting relatives because it will cost me more”, said the Civil Servant.

A media practitioner, Abiodun Akinwumi, said ” I will celebrate Christmas as usual with my family and I will travel home by God’s grace. But I will celebrate it based on the money available. The most important thing is that i am alive to witness another Christmas in sound health”.

Ms Biola Johnson, a businesswoman, said she would celebrate the season with her loved ones moderately due to financial constraint, adding that travelling is never an option for her because of transportation cost.

However, for some people, life must go on with or with out money and Christmas must be celebrated according to one’s ability.