As Nigerian Christians celebrate Christmas this year, many families are grappling with economic hardships that overshadow the festive season. The traditional practices of traveling, cooking special delicacies, buying new clothes for children, and purchasing Christmas trees and decorations are now a challenge for many.
This Christmas, a sense of gloom looms over the celebrations, with galloping inflation significantly affecting purchasing power. The transportation sector has seen fare hikes exceeding 50%, leading many to reconsider their travel plans, opting to send money to loved ones instead of traveling home.
The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, has contributed to rising petrol prices, which in turn has inflated transport costs. Despite these economic pressures, many Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas are flocking to motor parks, eager to reunite with family and friends, albeit at exorbitant fares.
Drivers are taking advantage of this high demand, with fares for commercial 18-seater buses surging by over N10,000 to N15,000 per seat. A journey from Abuja to Enugu State now costs N35,000, while trips to Port Harcourt and Lagos have also seen steep increases.
At various motor parks in Nyanya, Mararaba, and Masaka, drivers report a surge in passengers, prompting fare hikes based on demand rather than fuel costs. For instance, a trip from Abuja to Ilorin has increased from N15,000 to N25,000, leaving many families unable to travel together due to the high costs.
Passengers like Gyang Ibrahim express dismay at the fare hikes, stating that they would prefer traveling with their families if not for the financial burden. The sentiment is echoed by others who find the rising costs discouraging, especially given the additional expenses of holiday celebrations.
Despite the pain of higher transport fares, the festive spirit remains resilient among many Nigerians. Some passengers are determined to travel regardless of costs, viewing the Yuletide as an essential time for family reunions.
Moreover, food prices have also skyrocketed during this season, with essential items seeing substantial increases. A market survey revealed that staples like rice, onions, and vegetable oil have more than doubled in price. For example, the cost of a bag of rice now averages N107,000, and a five-liter container of vegetable oil has risen from N6,000 to N19,000.
As families navigate these financial challenges, they continue to prioritize the traditions of Christmas, with many expressing their commitment to traveling home for the holidays despite the costs involved.
In conclusion, while transport fare hikes and rising food prices present significant challenges this Christmas, the desire to reunite with loved ones remains a strong motivator for many Nigerians. The festive season continues to hold profound importance, serving as a reminder of family and togetherness amidst economic struggles.
Christmas: Nigerians groan as transport fare, food prices soar
