Nigerians yesterday lamented the poor state of the economy and spike in food prices, which have created what can be termed the most unusual Christmas in decades.
Across the length and breath of the country, the usual razzmatazz of the season is missing.
Similarly, airfares across local airlines have remained high, as all routes sold for an average of N60, 000 per economy seat. The spike notwithstanding, air traffic and patronage remained high with air travellers making last-minute trips for the festive season.
In the middle of the desperate situation, President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, sent messages of peace, joy, hope and love to commemorate the celebration.
The Guardian observed that market places were scanty, as many complained of reduced purchasing power caused by routine economic shocks and spike in costs of consumables.
Marketers complained of low turnout of buyers in markets, saying the effect of the economy had adverse effect on them.
Speaking with reporters, Mrs. Iyabo in Sabo market, Ibadan, Oyo State, lamented that it wasn’t the usual hustle and bustle the season had been known for, saying that customers were not forthcoming as expected.
“There is economic downturn this Yuletide. I sell soft drinks and I would say that markets are slow. Before, there used to be hustle and bustle everywhere but as you can see, such is non-existing.
Some of the traders at Rumosi, Mile one, Mile three and town market in Port Harcourt, who spoke with The Guardian, said, it was obvious the nation was yet to recover from its economic depression since 2017. They stated that they had never witnessed poor sales like this year.
They blamed the situation on unfriendly economic policies, which made life unbearable for Nigerians.
One of the traders at Mile 1 Market, Shedrack Chimezie, said, “Since morning, we came to shop, we are just like that, nobody has come to ask, how much are you selling, yes unlike other years, we witnessed low sales but this year is the worst.”
Another trader, who sells chicken at the Rumosi market, Magreth Chinda, blamed low sales on hike in prices, as “residents are scared of high cost of things in the market,” she said.
She said: “Last year, the size of fowl we sold at N2,500 sells for N5, 000 this year, so who do you blame? Fowl’s feeds are very expensive. So, the farmers have to recover their money, the situation we found ourselves in this country is very terrible.”
Findings by The Guardian revealed almost all prices of items had doubled.
However, some residents were seen shopping with families at supermarkets, malls.
A visit to the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), yesterday, showed a large turnout of passengers jostling to get tickets across routes.
