The rising cost of food, transportation, rent, electricity, healthcare and other daily necessities has made life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians. While wages have remained largely unchanged for many workers, inflation continues to erode purchasing power, forcing households to make tough financial choices.
WEEKEND HOPE spoke with some individuals on the issue.
Excerpts:
Zainab Adepoju
Yes, I believe many Nigerians can still afford basic living, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. As Nigerians, we have a habit of adapting to whatever challenges that come our way instead of demanding better governance and accountability.
I think our leaders should pay more attention to the opinions and needs of ordinary citizens. The rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity are especially worrying because they affect people’s livelihoods and freedom of movement.
If insecurity continues at this rate, many families may struggle to cope. I only hope we do not return to a time when fear keeps people indoors and limits access to education and opportunities. Those in positions of influence and authority should speak up and work towards lasting solutions.
In my opinion, many Nigerians can no longer afford basic living. High inflation, unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of goods and services have made life extremely difficult for ordinary citizens. Things as basic as feeding, housing, healthcare, education and even security are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families.
While a small percentage of Nigerians can still live comfortably, the majority are struggling to survive. The reality is that many people are no longer thinking about living well; they are simply trying to make it through each day.
Treasure Owadimbola
No, Nigerians can barely afford basic living because of the current state of the economy. The cost of food, transportation, rent, healthcare and education keeps increasing, while many people’s incomes remain the same or are not enough to meet these basic needs.
Many families are now focused on survival rather than living comfortably. Until there is significant economic improvement, better security and policies that ease the burden on citizens, basic living will remain a challenge for a large number of Nigerians.
Ifeoluwa Adeyeye
Nigerians can still afford basic living, but not everyone can. A small percentage of the population earns enough to comfortably meet their basic needs, while a much larger number struggle daily to make ends meet. Many people have to work exceptionally hard just to afford essentials such as food, transportation, rent, healthcare and education.
The issue is not that these basic needs no longer exist; rather, the cost of meeting them has increased much faster than the incomes of many Nigerians. As a result, what was once considered a basic standard of living has become increasingly difficult for a significant portion of the population to maintain.
For many Nigerians, the answer is no. Although inflation has dropped drastically, prices of essential goods remain high. Food, transport, and fuel costs continue to strain household budgets, while the N70,000 minimum wage has lost much of its value due to rising living costs. Many families now buy smaller quantities of food, cut back on nutritious meals and rely on multiple sources of income just to survive. Until wages match the cost of living, many Nigerians will continue to struggle to afford basic necessities.
In my opinion, Nigerians can no longer afford basic living; many are simply struggling to survive on whatever little they can get. The current economic situation has greatly reduced people’s ability to afford necessities such as food, clothing, and decent shelter. Prices of goods and services keep rising while incomes remain largely the same, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. For many families, meeting these basic needs has become a daily challenge rather than a guarantee.
I don’t think so. Maybe only if the person is very wealthy, and even at that, the expenses can still be overwhelming.
The cost of living keeps rising while incomes remain the same for many people. Things that used to be considered as basic necessities are gradually becoming luxuries.
For Nigerians to truly afford a decent basic living, there needs to be a complete change in the way the country is governed. We need good governance, accountability, better security and policies that genuinely improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Until then, basic living will remain a struggle for many Nigerians.
In my own opinion, It’s tough right now, but people are still finding ways to survive and adapt. Nigerians have always shown remarkable resilience, adjusting to difficult circumstances and making the best of what they have. However, surviving is not the same as living comfortably. Many families still struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare and education. With time, effective leadership, sound economic policies and improved opportunities, things can get better. Until then, many Nigerians will continue to rely on their determination and ability to adapt in order to get by.