As Nigerians prepare for the festive season, many households are contending with soaring prices of goods and services. Consequently, some citizens have called on the government to alleviate their burdens, which they fear may lead to lean celebrations.

The removal of fuel subsidies and rising prices of essential commodities have compounded the challenges faced by Nigerians. Prices of domestic commodities have hit the rooftop in the past 11 months. Items such as garri, rice, beans, tomatoes, pepper and onions have risen by over 200 per cent.

A market survey by The Guardian, at the weekend, revealed that a 50kg bag of garri, which sold for N15,500 in January, now sells at N25,000-N28,500. A 50kg bag of rice was around N65,000, having previously sold at N38,000. A 50kg bag of beans was N58,000, while a 50kg measure of tomatoes was about N120,000. The price of a bag of pepper was N65,500, while a bag of onions was N145,000.

The dreams of many Nigerians moving to their personal homes by the end of the year also suffered a setback as prices of building materials, like iron rods, paints, cement and others skyrocketed by over 100 per cent.

A tonne of iron rods was about N600,000 while a 50kg bag of cement, previously N4,200, was now N5,750. Would-be travellers are also grappling with fare hikes for trips within and outside states, which have soared by over 100 per cent. For instance, an intra-city journey, which was previously N300, is now about N600, while a trip from Lagos to Owerri is over N34,000.

This hike has been blamed on the rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with some Nigerians saying they may forgo their plan to travel during the festive season.
 
Speaking with The Guardian, Faith Godwin, a petty trader at Lafenwa, lamented that the economy had been unfriendly, adding that this would mar efforts to celebrate the season.

“I’m struggling to raise money to feed my two children and support my husband. My household might not be celebrating Christmas, unless a miracle happens,” she said.
   
Godwin, who sells Christmas themed souvenirs and decorative items, the turnout of customers has been low, this year, compared to the previous years. She urged the government to help the less privileged in the society, in the spirit of the season.
 
Simon Adegoke expressed displeasure over hardship in the country, saying: “This is the Christmas period, and normally, there should be sharing of gifts and love. But it’s low keyed and dull, due to the economic situation. Many Nigerians don’t have money to bask in the euphoria of the season.”  
 
He added: “By this time, last year, I had already bought gifts, clothes for my family, and they were set to travel to my state, Ondo. But this is not possible this year, due to the hike in prices of things, fares, and cost of living.”
 
He called on the government to control escalating costs of items. He also advised Nigerians who are unable to celebrate Yuletide to be content and grateful for whatever they have.

A pepper seller at Ayobo market, Garba Salisu, also lamented low patronage. He said a basket of tomatoes that cost N20,000 the previous year is now over N100,000.
 
Roland Agomeze and Obikara Rosemary, who plan to travel, said the hike in luggage fees and fares is putting financial strain on most families. They urged the government to regulate the costs of transportation fuel.

MEANWHILE, The Guardian, observed that Christmas decorations have reduced significantly in many homes and places in Lagos environs. Two sellers of Christmas decors in Ajao Estate, Patience Suberu and Alhaja Olabisi Okoonla, said there has been a decline in sales compared to the previous years.

They said prevailing economic hardships have forced people to prioritise basic needs over discretionary spending on festive items.

“Customer complaints regarding high prices and affordability issues reflect the strain on buyers’ purchasing power. The government should take decisive action to stabilise the economy, address corruption, and invest in essential infrastructure,” they advised.