As a fallout of the current slide in Nigeria’s economy, which many blames on the Coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the world earlier in the years, Nigerians are experiencing massive hikes in the prices of goods and services, and the worse is the increase in fuel and electricity tariffs.
This development has become a source of concern for most residents of Oshodi who blame the government’s policies and decisions aggravating the sufferings of the people.
Ike Okolinta, a Keke Napep driver told Community Bell, “I think before they implement certain policies, they should consult those that will be affected by it. The problem we have in this country is that we have rulers, not leaders. They only do things to favour themselves and they are full of lies and that’s why even when they try to do something good, people do not believe them. I think before they implement certain policies, they should consult the stakeholders that will be affected by it.
“In transportation, fuel is the problem. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, transport fares were increased, after the pandemic had subsided, we decided to bring down the fares to the usual amount pre-COVID-19 but we discovered that it didn’t work out for us, and so we had to maintain the price. Of course, if the cost of transportation increases, the cost of food will also increase and that is why things are very expensive in the market. Before I used to make about 5000 per day but nowadays, I hardly make up to 2000 because people have started trekking because there is not much money in circulation. Even in the markets, the prices of goods have increased.”
Samuel Ogboli added that “Food is very expensive for me as a bachelor. Initially, I spent N300 for the night but now I spend 1,350 on my night meal because I don’t cook and the price keeps increasing. Even getting foodstuffs is expensive. I think the government has not been considerate in regulating the prices of goods in the market.”
A food seller, Mrs. Bassey Ekpai gave reasons for the increase in the cost of food in her restaurant, “Nowadays, it is difficult to add stockfish to your soup, even pepper and tomatoes are very expensive. So we have to increase the price of our food so that we can meet up with the expenses.”
Adegoke Ibrahim who sells recharge cards said, “The increase in electricity tariff is a very disturbing one. Before we used to recharge our prepaid for N500 and it would last us for one week but now the one of N2000 cannot even last for up to a week. We have to buy fuel to power our generator every night and the price of fuel is gone up. I think it is because the borders are closed that is why things are very expensive, if the borders can be opened for people to even get rice, things will not be so expensive.”
