By Oyindamola Amuda and Israel Areo
As Nigerians mark Christmas 2024 and prepare for new year, the festive cheer appears to be dampened for traders in Ilorin, who have voiced concerns over dwindling sales due to the country’s challenging economic realities. A survey conducted by National Pilot at Mandate Market revealed that many are celebrating the season with a heavy heart, forced into low-key festivities by soaring prices and reduced purchasing power.
Traders who spoke with National Pilot expressed frustration and disappointment over the state of Nigeria’s economy, blaming rising prices and dwindling customer purchasing power for the dire situation.
A rice merchant, Abubakar Sulaimon painted a bleak picture of his business this year. “Last year, sales were great. By now, I would have sold 50 bags of rice in 20 to 30 minutes. But today, I brought out 50 bags, and I haven’t sold up to 10. Christmas is just around the corner, but it doesn’t feel like it. Sales are very bad this year,” he said with a tone of frustration.
For Adesanlu Ojo, who sells chicken, the sharp increase in prices has driven buyers away. “Last year, a small chicken was ₦9,000, but this year, it’s ₦25,000. Customers are complaining, and I don’t blame them. Things are hard for everyone. We are not making any sales at all. The situation in the country is very bad,” he said.
Also, Idiayat Saka, who specialise in sales of pepper and tomato, echoed similar sentiments, citing high costs as the main deterrent for customers.
“Last year, a basket of tomatoes was ₦35,000, but this year, it’s ₦50,000. Customers are not buying because they say it’s too expensive. Honestly, everywhere is bad,” she said, visibly worried about her unsold goods.
Opeyemi Aliami, a yam seller, also shared her struggles, explaining how the cost of yams has doubled since last year.
“Last year, a pack of yam was ₦5,000, but now it’s ₦10,000. People just look and walk away without buying. This Christmas will not be easy for anyone,” she said.
For Sani Sokoto, who sells onions, the situation has been dire for over six months. “A small basket of onions now costs ₦12,000, and a sack is ₦250,000. Since six months ago, there has been no market at all. I didn’t even bother coming to the market until recently, but sales are still bad,” he said.
Olajumoke Adebayo, a vegetable oil vendor, lamented the drastic drop in sales due to skyrocketing prices. “Five liters of groundnut oil now costs ₦16,000, and even a single bottle is ₦2,700. Palm oil isn’t any better. Five liters is ₦10,500, and customers can’t afford it. Sales have dropped drastically compared to last year,” she explained.
While the holiday season is often associated with joy and abundance, the harsh economic climate casts a shadow over this year’s celebrations. Traders fear that the festive buzz may elude both sellers and buyers, as the realities of inflation and reduced spending power take their toll on the Christmas spirit.
