I went to the market two days ago, and ended up not buying everything I had on my list. The prices of goods are skyrocketing and it shows no signs of slowly down. On my way home the roads were devoid of usual traffic which the bus driver attributed to low passenger turnout as a result of rise in transportation costs.
Available data from the National Bureau of Statistics has pegged inflation rate at more than 20 percent . The removal of fuel subsidy has further worsened living conditions with the increase in price of goods and services.
On the ground , Nigerians are coming to uncomfortable terms with present realities .
Dess, an aspiring fashion designer has her fashion ambitions on hold due to rising costs. She says ; The cost of living has gone up but our salaries remain the same. I want to go to fashion school and I have been saving towards it but they have increased the fee at the moment. It was 200, 000 naira but it is has been increased to 400, 000 naira. Saving is harder as a result of rising costs. I am not happy and I feel very anxious."
Chu, a medical student says ; " I hate so much that I have to do mental gymnastics on my expenses. I have to redo and overthink everything and it's so exhausting as I also have my classes to see to."
Kess, a photographer says ; " The cost of living makes me feel so depressed thinking about it. I would have saved enough to do one or two things if the prices were moderate but how can one save when the prices just keep increasing?"
Dara an Artiste feels she is loosing touch with her friends as transportation costs have doubled. She says; " I feel terrible that I cannot visit my friends like I used to. Transportation costs have doubled and I have to calculate the costs in relation to other pressing needs . I feel very angry and resentful."
Oke, runs a laundry service and his business has been affected by rising costs. He says ; " There is increase in fuel price, and customers do not seem to understand that prices has to go up too. Even after slightly adjusting the prices, at the end of the day every other thing is expensive. "
The realities are so disheartning as we are faced with a full - blown cost of living crisis. Nigerians want the Government to arise and address rising costs. This should be a matter of urgency. Will the Government take more action?