As Christmas draws near in Kaduna, residents gearing up for the Yuletide season express concern over the soaring prices of both food items and transportation.
Several residents expressed their intention to celebrate the day within their means.
Entrepreneur Joseph John stated that he would observe Christmas with a celebration aligned to his financial capacity.
He emphasized that there was no need to put unnecessary stress on himself, considering the soaring cost of living and the limited means available.
“For Christmas, if I used to use six chickens in the past, I’ll cut it to 2 or 3 to make sure I spend within my means. As far as travelling goes, I’m avoiding that by any means necessary,” he said.
Likewise, Lilian Silas, a civil servant, expressed that the season brings abundant excitement and familial expectations, marked by shopping and acts of generosity toward the less privileged.
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“Almost all the things we need to celebrate have doubled up in price. A sizable chicken is from N7,000 and above, rice is N50,000 and above, and vegetable oil is N8500 for just four litres. Flour is now N1,700 per measure, sugar is N2,300, and the list goes on; and remember that salaries have not changed,” she stated.
Ms. Silas pointed out that the elevated fuel prices have impacted transportation fares, emphasizing that this would significantly limit mobility, particularly for those planning to travel during the festive season.
Expressing his perspective, Gbenga Oloniyo shared that he commenced his Christmas preparations in September, having already purchased festive attire for his three children. He elaborated on his plans to travel to Sokoto, where his family resides, for the Christmas celebration, citing the comparatively lower cost of food items there compared to Kaduna.
(Peoples Gazette)