The once cherished tradition of accommodating relatives under one roof is fading away in Nigeria. Families, grappling with the relentless surge in the cost of living, are reluctantly trimming down their households. The ever increasing prices of essential food items have become a financial burden, forcing many to rethink their generosity.
In the past, Nigerian families would readily welcome younger relatives into their homes, raising them alongside their own children. It was a practice rooted in cultural bonds and communal support. But today, the limited purchasing power of every Nigerian has created a dent over this tradition. The time of extended family living is gradually disappearing right infront of us, caused by the recent economic hardship.
The Major Cause of this problem is the ever rising cost of feeding. Basic commodites like rice, garri (a popular cassava-based food), and other household necessities have become very expensive. Families, once open-handed, are now tightening their belts. Adeola Adebayo, a 38-year-old trader at the bustling Ikotun market, shared her struggle. She recently had to send her two nieces back to their parents due to the continuos increase in food prices. “We could barely afford two meals per day,” she lamented. “I am pained that I couldn’t provide for them as and when due.”
Adebayo’s savings have taken a hit. “I used to save at least N10,000 per week,” she explained, “but the amount we now spend on rice and garri has reduced my weekly ‘ajo’ (savings) to N3,000. Sometimes I don’t even save at all.”
Kareem Yusuf, a government school teacher in Lagos, faces a similar predicament. Responsible not only for feeding and clothing his 16-year-old cousin but also for settling the ever-increasing school fees, . “Our food budget for just three people is more than half of my salary,” he revealed. Bringing another family member into the fold would be financially stressful.
You May Like: Fuel Scarcity Crippling Businesses In Nigeria
The inability to afford basic food items has pushed more Nigerians beyond the poverty line. According to the World Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update report, rising inflation and sluggish economic growth have worsen the situation. The number of poor people in Nigeria increased from 89.8 million at the start of 2023 to a staggering 104 million by year-end. Sarah Johnson, a local chef and widow, now faces the big task of caring for three children. Her sisters returned two of them due to the bad economy.
Our Thoughts
As the cost of living in Nigeria continues hit on the living, Nigerians are becoming more conscious of their spending. The dream of a household filled with extended family members is now turning to a nightmare. Instead, Nigerians are now on survival mode and families are making tough choices.
The period of warm feeling, cheerfulness and giving is fading quickly, we can only hope things get better or else who knows what will happen, some young Nigerian men are refusing to get married due to the hardship.
With the rounding up of works in the refineries, we wait to see if the cost of fuel which is a major catalyst returns to a cheaper price.
I hope you enjoy this article.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Check Out: 4 Lucrative Businesses To Start Without Capital In Nigeria
Leave a Comment