In Nigeria, the rising cost of living and persistent insecurity are reshaping traditional practices, particularly in marriage and burial customs. As economic hardship deepens, many families are opting to hold traditional marriages in urban centers rather than their hometowns. For instance, Hyacinth Nweke hosted his daughter's traditional marriage in Lagos in 2021 due to safety concerns, while Oluchi Onyemachi's brother made a similar choice two years ago, citing turmoil in Imo State. This shift reflects a broader trend where traditional customs are being adapted to contemporary realities. [34991718]
The economic landscape has also impacted burial practices, with many now choosing to bury their loved ones in cities instead of their ancestral homes. Rising transportation costs, exacerbated by fuel price increases, have made it increasingly difficult to transport corpses back to hometowns for burial. This change marks a significant departure from the Igbo custom of returning to one's roots for such solemn occasions. [34991718]
Cultural events, such as the New Yam Festival, are also being celebrated in urban areas and even abroad, showcasing how economic pressures are influencing the way traditions are observed. The combination of high living costs and insecurity has forced many Nigerians to rethink their cultural practices, adapting them to fit the realities of their current circumstances. [34991718]
In addition to these cultural shifts, the rising cost of living has become a pressing concern for many citizens, driven largely by the naira's depreciation against the dollar. Recent reports indicate that the naira-to-dollar exchange rate has led to significant price increases across various sectors. For instance, the price of potato chips has skyrocketed from ₦750 to ₦3,500, while apples now cost ₦500 and grapes range from ₦3,500 to ₦4,000. Dining out has also become a luxury, with meals like jollof rice costing around ₦10,000 and dates priced between ₦30,000 and ₦40,000. Fast food options, such as Chicken Republic's refuel pack, have seen prices jump from ₦700-₦900 to ₦1,900, making them less accessible for many families. [70c63b6f]
Transportation fares have surged, further straining household budgets. The cost of fuel has also seen a dramatic increase, rising from ₦254 per litre in April 2023 to ₦1,100, compounding the financial burden on Nigerians. As a result, extravagant parties have become rare, and vacation costs have become prohibitive for most families. The rising prices have not only affected food and transportation but also entertainment, with DSTV subscription prices increasing significantly. [70c63b6f]
The aviation sector has not been immune to these economic challenges. Rising flight ticket prices have frustrated travelers, with one Nigerian man recently highlighting the exorbitant cost of N406,000 for two economy class seats from Owerri to Lagos. He lamented that the country is in a dire state, urging others to verify the situation themselves. While some travelers have reported finding affordable options, the overall trend indicates that many Nigerians are struggling to afford air travel. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been in discussions with foreign airlines to address the high fares, which have been attributed to trapped funds and the removal of low-fare inventories from the Nigerian market. [70c63b6f]
Despite the challenges, Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline, has emerged as a significant player in the aviation industry, expanding its operations and offering competitive fares. The airline's recent launch of the Lagos-London route has sparked a price war among foreign carriers, leading to a reduction in ticket prices. However, the overall economic climate continues to impact travel and leisure activities, with many Nigerians opting for cheaper alternatives or canceling plans altogether due to the high costs associated with travel and everyday living. [70c63b6f]
As the economy continues to struggle, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has noted a decline in summer travel, with fewer Nigerians able to afford vacations compared to previous years. The combination of high airfares, rising costs of goods and services, and the depreciation of the naira has created a challenging environment for both travelers and travel agencies. This economic hardship is reshaping the lifestyle of many Nigerians, forcing them to reconsider their spending habits and prioritize essential expenses over luxuries. [70c63b6f]
In the midst of these economic challenges, individuals like Sotu Oris Agbeyegbe are stepping up to help those in need. Agbeyegbe, a biscuit distributor from Delta State, has been supporting Abdullahi Garba by paying his rent for the past ten years. Agbeyegbe's own struggles, including dropping out of school due to financial constraints after losing his father, have motivated him to assist the underprivileged in his community. He criticizes the current economic situation, stating it is harder on the poor compared to the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan, and calls on the government to allocate funds for the handicapped and underprivileged. [bb636f79]