As the Yuletide season draws near, Kaduna State residents gearing up for Christmas have expressed deep concern over the exorbitant prices of essential commodities and transportation.
Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25 by Christian faithful worldwide to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, usually involves gatherings and festivities with loved ones.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some residents shared their plans to celebrate Christmas while considering the prevalent economic challenges.
Joseph John, an entrepreneur, highlighted the steep rise in living costs and emphasized the importance of celebrating within one’s financial means. “The cost of living is skyrocketing, and the means remain stunted,” he mentioned, intending to trim down expenses for the season and limit travel due to increased transportation expenses.
Similarly, Mrs. Lilian Silas, a civil servant, expressed enthusiasm for the holiday season’s spirit of giving but noted that economic realities might curtail the traditional sharing of gifts and food with family and friends. She cited the steep increase in prices of basic commodities like chicken, rice, vegetable oil, flour, and sugar, which have more than doubled, adversely affecting the celebration preparations.
Mrs. Silas also remarked on the impact of soaring fuel costs, which have resulted in inflated transportation fares, potentially limiting movements, especially for those intending to travel for the festivities.
Conversely, Mr. Gbenga Oloniyo shared his early preparations for Christmas, having bought clothes and shoes for his children since September. He intends to celebrate in Sokoto State, where he believes food items are more affordable compared to the escalated prices in Kaduna.
NAN
