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Kaduna State residents lament high cost of foodstuffs, transport fares
On his part, Mr Gbenga Oloniyo said he had started preparing for Christmas in September, adding that he had already bought Christmas clothes and shoes for his three children.
As the Yuletide season approaches, residents of Kaduna State preparing for Christmas have lamented the high cost of food items and transportation.
To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Christian faithful across the globe celebrate Christmas on December 25 annually with friends and families.
Some of the residents who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said they would celebrate the day with what they could afford.
Joseph John, an entrepreneur, said he would celebrate Christmas with what he could afford, saying that there was no need to over-stretch himself.
“The cost of living is skyrocketing and the means remain stunted; it is therefore a wise decision, in my opinion, to keep the celebrations low-profile.
“For Christmas, if I used to use 6 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.
Similarly, Mrs Lilian Silas, a civil servant, said the season comes with lots of excitement and expectations from family, as it is characterized by shopping and giving to the less privileged.
She, however, said that the economic realities on ground may hinder the major symbol Christmas was known for, which was sharing gifts and food with family and loved ones.
“Almost all the things we need to celebrate have doubled up in price; a sizable chicken is N7,000 and above, rice is N50,000 and above, and vegetable oil is N8500 for just four litres.
“Flour is now N1700 per measure, sugar is N2300, and the list goes on; and remember that salaries have not changed,” she stated.
Mrs Silas added that the high cost of fuel has affected transportation fares, saying that movement would be hugely restricted, especially for those who wish to travel for the festivities.
On his part, Mr Gbenga Oloniyo said he had started preparing for Christmas in September, adding that he had already bought Christmas clothes and shoes for his three children.
He explained that he would travel back to Sokoto State, where his family resides, to celebrate Christmas as food items were cheaper there compared to Kaduna. (NAN)
