One of the major economic challenges facing most Nigerians since the inception of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is the consistent inflation, especially the increase in the prices of goods and services across the country. Given these depressing realities, KINGSLEY ALUMONA, AYO AKANO, and YUSUF ABDULKADIR sought the opinions of some Nigerians to enquire about how they feel whenever they go to the market. Their views:
Bose Oyelowo
I feel frustrated and worried every time I go to the market. The constant increase in prices of basic goods is overwhelming, and it is hard to make ends meet. I have to adjust my budget constantly, and it’s affecting the quality of my life. I am concerned about the impact on my family’s well-being, especially my children’s health and education. The government needs to take action to control inflation and ensure affordable necessities for all. It is unbearable to see prices skyrocket while my income remains stagnant. Something needs to change.
Jason Adegbola
In previous years, with a certain amount of money, I could conveniently go to the market and return with an ample amount of foodstuff, provisions, and other needed supplies. However, such is not the case now. I am faced with the cruel reality that my finances must be exorbitant to purchase every item I need. I go to the market always hoping and praying that prices have remained unchanged, that my finances would be enough. Shopping at the market, for me, used to be a pleasant experience — now, it is a sad experience where I haggle and argue with sellers on prices of goods, not because I want to get it cheap, but because the new prices are a cutthroat I cannot accommodate.
Wuraola Osagiede
Each time I have to visit the market, I do have the mindset that whatever the money with me has the purchasing power to buy that is what I would go for. I always ask God for mercy to enable me to make a good purchase. Prices of things are so alarming and I have resolved not to give myself tension over what I cannot control. Rather, I would buy what I could afford and move on.
Ogadinma Adiele
As a man who is conversant with the current price trends in the market, seeing the anger, and the horrible and pitiable faces of people, l conclude by telling those who are wailing about the current situation that, indeed, elections have consequences.
Success Nwokocha
Going to the market these days makes me not to debate too much about the prices of goods. From what we can see, the government cares less for its citizens. Hence, there is little hope of normalcy for the economy. Each time I go out to purchase something, I must bear in mind the possibility of an increment in the price of the item. For this reason, I do not want to offend anybody by arguing. Nigerian political leaders have no better plans for the citizens because they know the way out for themselves and their families.
Akinwale Aboluwade
I feel very emotional about the outrageous prices of commodities nowadays. I cannot imagine the rate at which the prices of goods climb to the rooftops. From N8,000 before the advent of this administration, chicken feeds had jumped to between N15,000 to N16,000 per bag, depending on the brand and type. A day-old chick, which used to sell for between N60 and N100 now sells for N500 to N650. Now, the cost of chicken production is higher thereby making the prices of eggs and table-sized chicken very expensive. The government should intervene before things go out of hand. Unfortunately, rather than clamour for food security, the labour unions are agitating for an increase in salary as if that is the solution.
Enehe Shaibu
I feel disappointed each time I go to the market because the rate at which the prices of foodstuffs keep increasing every day is saddening. To make matters worse, some market women or men do not have the fear of God in their hearts. They make profits without considering or pitying their fellow human beings anymore.
Azeez Alamu
I am embittered that things turned out this way because there is little to cater for the huge responsibilities that abound. However, I have long decided to stop worrying about what is beyond my control. I am not always worried when I go to the market because I am aware of the realities before going there. I would rather invest in myself, build more capacities for growth and sustenance, and live within my limits than bother myself unnecessarily over what I cannot change. The current economic realities are beyond ordinary control. While the bulk of the work rests on the government, we — the citizens — also need to be considerate of ourselves when hiking the prices of food.
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