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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.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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