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Soaring Prices Turn Christmas Into a Luxury Nigerians Can’t Afford
According to Nivo News, this year’s Christmas celebrations across Nigeria have been significantly impacted by soaring prices, turning what is usually a season of joy into a period of financial strain for many families. From Lagos to Ilorin, rising costs have forced households to cut back on traditional festivities, scale down menus, and rethink travel and leisure plans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In Mowe Market along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, shoppers like Mummy Paul expressed dismay at the price of chicken, which surged from N15,000 last year to between N25,000 and N28,000 this season. Vendors attributed the increases to rising feed costs and extreme weather conditions affecting poultry production. Across markets, the usual festive crowds were noticeably smaller, as many Nigerians delayed purchases or opted for cheaper alternatives.
In Ilorin, turkey prices range from N110,000 to N135,000, while broilers weigh 4–5kg are priced between N22,000 and N25,000. Households have adjusted menus to cope with the hikes, cutting down on dishes, guests, and drinks. Transport costs have also risen, with fares on Lagos–Ibadan routes climbing steadily, further straining family budgets.
Despite some relief for caterers who noted better sales compared to the previous year, meat and protein items remain expensive, forcing menu adjustments. Families have been compelled to adopt cost-cutting measures, such as sharing bulk purchases of rice and other staples, while some have decided against traveling to visit relatives due to the high combined cost of transport, food, and gifts.
Economists point to seasonal demand, festive travel, and socio-cultural expectations as key drivers of price hikes. Former Zenith Bank Chief Economist, Marcel Okeke, explained that while price surges are temporary, they highlight the vulnerability of consumers during festive periods. He emphasized that reduced production and energy costs could indirectly ease the pressure on prices.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) confirmed ongoing monitoring of markets and retailers, targeting unusual price increases and anti-competitive practices. CEO Tunji Bello noted that enforcement is evidence-led and that unlawful conduct, where proven, would attract tangible sanctions.
Religious leaders also weighed in, attributing some of the price increases to supply-demand dynamics during the festive period and urging moderation in commercial dealings to protect consumers.
This year, “Detty December” is increasingly becoming a class-defined celebration. While lavish parties dominate social media, many households quietly ration joy, trimming traditions and spending, turning a once-shared festive experience into a season of caution. Without measures to curb inflation and festive-season profiteering, the season risks remaining an exclusive luxury, accessible primarily to the affluent.
The campaign spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, has expressed confidence that his principal will appear on the ballot in the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of making efforts to prevent Atiku from contesting the election, insisting that the party’s alleged attempts would ultimately fail.
He drew a comparison with the 2007 presidential election, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly made efforts to stop Atiku, who was then his vice president, from contesting the presidency.
Naija News reports that the actor-turned-politician maintained that the APC would suffer the same outcome as Obasanjo, who failed to prevent Atiku from participating in the 2007 election.
Okonkwo also predicted that Atiku would emerge as Nigeria’s next president.
In a post shared on X, he said the APC’s alleged attempts to frustrate Atiku’s ambition had strengthened his belief in the ADC candidate’s chances.
He wrote:
“The more the incompetent and corrupt APC tackles ADC, and the more they try to block Atiku Abubakar from contesting for the post of President in 2027, the more I am convinced that Atiku Abubakar is the next President of Nigeria because you do not cast a stone at a tree that is not bearing any fruit.
“APC should learn from history, and understand that Atiku is unstoppable. President Olusegun Obasanjo did everything possible, with all the powers of the security apparatus, to stop Atiku, his Vice President, from contesting the 2007 presidential election, but failed.
“Atiku succeeded through the rule of law by ventilating his agitation through the courts. This time around in 2027, Atiku will win again because God and the people of Nigeria are on his side.
“Let me reiterate, Atiku and ADC will be on the ballot in 2027 and will win the 2027 presidential election for the security and welfare of Nigerians.
The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has denied allegations linking him to the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kalu made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television, where he was asked about his alleged connections with the CIA and Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
The senator explained that his previous involvement in arms trading brought him into contact with both organisations, adding that they monitored his activities because of his business dealings.
He, however, insisted that knowing individuals within the agencies did not mean he worked for them or served as an intelligence operative.
He said, “Even if I know people there, I mean, I’m not working for them. I’m not an agent. Because I was trading in arms, I must know the two organisations very well. They were keeping an eye on me because I was selling arms.”
The former Abia State governor also dismissed suggestions that prominent personalities had described him as an international agent.
According to him, such descriptions do not define his identity, insisting that he knows who he is and makes efforts to maintain his relationships.
Kalu said, “Anybody can say anything. On some occasions, even President Obasanjo himself has called me an international agent. I mean, those things don’t remove anything from my skin because I know myself. I work hard to keep friendships.”
Mossad, officially known as the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, is Israel’s national intelligence agency.
Nigerian rapper Keshinro Ololade, popularly known as Lil Kesh, has cautioned women whose physical appearance could tempt him as he tries to maintain his decision to abstain from sexual activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made this known in a video shared on his Instagram page, where he spoke about his commitment to celibacy and his efforts to remain focused.
In the video, Lil Kesh specifically addressed women who regularly visit the gym, drawing attention to their body shapes and physical features, which he admitted he finds tempting.
He appealed to such women to tone down their seductive appearances and movements around him, explaining that he was determined to maintain his celibate lifestyle.
The rapper also disclosed that he had abstained from sex for seven years.
He said, “Hello, if you know you are a gym girly and your back is looking like this, please, I’m gonna need you to tone it down. I have been celibate for 7 years; I am trying to focus; don’t konjibait me.”
In a related development, Nigerian content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Isbae U, has opened up about the difficult period he experienced following the controversy surrounding him in 2022.
During an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, Isbae U revealed that the backlash was so severe that he began questioning whether his career had come to an end.
He explained that the situation became particularly difficult because people who had previously supported and praised his work began making negative comments about him.
The skit maker also disclosed that he sought advice from fellow content creator Mr Macaroni during the period.
According to him, he asked whether the controversy marked the end of his career, as he was uncertain about what the future held following the backlash.
Isbae U recalled that the experience taught him how quickly public perception can change when someone becomes embroiled in controversy.
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