‘It is with God’s grace that we eat these days’

HAFEEZ AYOBAMI and AWAU ADEGOKE

Have you gone to the market in recent times to purchase basic food items and other common commodities? Irrespective of the market, across the country, the stories and experiences are reportedly the same ─ sighs, lamentations, distress, and frustration from buyers and sellers. These are the experiences some Nigerians narrated to HAFEEZ AYOBAMI and AWAU ADEGOKE.

Mrs Keshinro

It is with the grace of God that we can eat these days. I am a widow with five children. Aside from how hard it is for us to eat, when I want to pay school fees, there is no one I do not cry to. Things have not been easy. We only eat once per day. When one manages to fast till 3 pm, they manage pap for the rest of the day. Yam is now N8000 and yam flour that is not up to two mudus is almost N8000. How would one be able to eat? They should find a solution to the economy. The people are suffering.

Muideen Oyediran

There is nothing that is not expensive now. For the past months, pepper has been very expensive. However, right now, pepper has been the only thing that we can even say the price has come down a little. The price of rice and beans keeps going up without dropping. A mudu of beans is now more than N4000 and a mudu of rice costs more than N3000. The situation is causing rifts in the family. Before N2000 could cater for a family in a day, now N5000 is not enough. We beg our government to find a solution to the problem.

Fatimot Edun

It has been difficult for me as a student to adjust to the high cost of food, particularly in a school setting where cooking is prohibited. Purchasing diverse and vital groceries like bread, fruits, and canned foods is my priority. I live on a tight budget and occasionally skip meals when needed. Even though I still have daily struggles, the experience has strengthened my resourcefulness and resilience. Maintaining a healthy diet, managing my finances, and staying on top of my schoolwork are all ongoing balancing acts for me. It is still a big battle, but every little improvement helps.

Jones ifeoluwa

I am struggling to cope with the high cost of foodstuffs in the country. As a student on a tight budget, I have to make significant adjustments. I have reduced my protein intake and opted for cheaper alternatives like instant noodles. It is not ideal, but I am trying to make ends meet. I hope the government addresses this issue soon because it is affecting many people. The constant price increase is overwhelming, and I am finding it hard to afford some necessities. I am worried about the impact this would have on my health and well-being if it continues.

Nafisa AbdulLateef

The high cost of living in Nigeria is distressing. While growing up, we were encouraged to eat a balanced diet. The reverse is now the case, as we are only concerned with eating anything we see, not minding if it is balanced or not. As a family of 10, we no longer eat what we want — we eat what we see. And no doubt this will have a great effect on our wellbeing.

Abdrasheed Abdrosheed

Coping with the high cost of foodstuffs has been challenging. The salaries from the government and my place of work are barely enough. I have adapted by storing enough food monthly as soon as I receive my salary. This stock lasts me almost the entire month. Additionally, my work as a researcher has provided an extra income, helping me to cope. Trust is the key. I have built strong relationships with my suppliers, often getting foodstuffs on credit and paying them back later. This strategy has been my lifeline in these tough times.

Hakeem Adesokan

Many individuals and families are finding ways to adapt to the increasing cost of foodstuffs. The strategies include budgeting and meal planning, not letting my expenses go beyond my income; opting for affordable alternatives or substitutes; reducing food waste, only catering for the family, and no wastage of food items; shopping at local markets or using coupons, and cooking at home instead of eating out. It is important to note that coping mechanisms may vary depending on individual circumstances and locations. If you are struggling with food costs, consider reaching out to local support services or financial advisors for personalised guidance.

Abdullahi Olagunju

I have been trying to buy my foodstuffs in bulk as much as possible lately. This may not be the easiest way of dealing with food inflation, especially when a much bigger portion of my income goes to buying foodstuffs and I have to plan my finances much more carefully. However, I believe that it helps to buy more for less. Also, I cook more than 90 percent of my meals at home and make sure that food wastage is avoided as much as possible.

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