By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo

In this country we had gone through tough times. Things have been somewhat hard, but it has never been as bad as this. Even during Emiefele’s no cash nonsense, it was not so bad. There was no cash but people survived. They had hope. They pushed on.

Since President Tinubu came in, Nigerians are becoming increasingly hopeless and unhappy. It has nothing to do with whether they go to church or mosque or pray to a deity or God. Things are getting worst by the day.

Nigeria, the most
populous country in Africa, has been plagued by various challenges in recent years. One of the most significant challenges is the rise in the cost of living, which has made it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities. This has resulted in a deep sense of fear and uncertainty among Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet.

The cost of living in Nigeria has risen exponentially in recent years, and it has affected every aspect of life. The prices of basic commodities such as food, housing, and healthcare have skyrocketed, and this has made it difficult for the average Nigerian to live comfortably. The rise in the cost of living has also led to an increase in poverty levels, with many Nigerians living below the poverty line.

The fear and uncertainty that Nigerians now live in daily are palpable. The fear of not being able to afford basic necessities such as food and shelter is a constant worry for many. The uncertainty of the future is also a significant source of fear, as many Nigerians are unsure of what tomorrow holds. The country’s economic situation is unstable, and this has made it difficult for Nigerians to plan for the future.

The situation is further compounded by the country’s security challenges. Nigeria has been battling with various security issues, including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. The rise in crime rates has made it difficult for Nigerians to feel safe in their own homes in many parts of the country, and many are afraid to go out at night.

The fear and uncertainty that Nigerians now live in are not only affecting their mental health but also their physical well-being. Many are unable to access healthcare due to the high cost of medical services, and this has led to many preventable deaths.

It is crucial that the government takes urgent steps to address the rise in the cost of living and the security challenges facing the country. The government must implement policies that will help reduce the cost of living and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The country’s security agencies must also step up their efforts to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

Most of the things we took for granted growing up have now become essential and scarce commodities overnight. Look at common garri that we drink anyhow. Parents now hoard it. They lock it up. Children can’t drink garri with groundnut in between meals any more. It will affect swallow time for the whole family. Five months ago, garri was still affordable. It no more is.

Talk about rice, at 65,000 a bag, how many families can afford to buy. Even the local rice with lots of stones is out of the reach of the masses
Bread use to be a snack in Nigerian homes. At N1000 for a big loaf of bread. Parents hoard it. Not many children can access it anymore except during meal times. And that also is a different story. Bread and eggs and tea is a combo. Eggs are now N100 for one. Sugar is beyond reach. Not to mention milk. Will children just chew the bread and drink water ? Before Tinubu came they were all available and reasonably priced.

Beans, palm oil, vegetable oil, pepper tomatoes, onions, yams, sweet potato, semovita, Maggi, fish, chicken, turkey etc all expensive. Ice fish is now for big men only. A sizeable piece sells for 2500.
The prices increase everything you visit the shops or markets and you can not blame them. They blame it on the dollar. They must import raw materials or packaging inputs. They have no choice but pay the prevailing rate.

Christmas is coming. Road Transport fares will increase for those travelling. Airlines have already increased theirs by over 200%. A life chicken is now N17,000. By Christmas it will be N25000, Groundnut oil is 1,400 a bottle, only God knows how much rice will be then. A bottle of soft drink is N250. How many can parents afford for their children.

I honestly wonder how Nigerians cope and survive. These days what ever Government pays as basic salary will only go for Transport to and from work. How are Nigerians then expected to feed, pay house rent, school fees, send money to loved ones and socialize? How are they also expected to do their religious obligations with all this hardship.

The politicians are not bothered. They will throw us a few crumbs; cups of rice and beans and satchets of vegetable oil and 5 Noddles while they live and eat like kings in their palaces.

By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo ( The StoryTeller)
Tel; 2347054674906
Email;
Nigeria360online@gmail.com