Amidst the hues of love and affection in the spirit of Valentine celebration, a stark reality looms over the nation: the soaring costs of living. Prices of food items have skyrocketed above 100 per cent in the country. Daily increase in the prices of foods, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.
According to the International Monetary Fund, IMF, in its report titled ‘Review of Nigeria’s Post Financing Assessment’, Nigeria is experiencing a profound economic crisis amid the rising cost of living which further exacerbates the well-being of its citizenry.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in the Selected Food Prices Watch for November, 2023, also reported several price hikes across various food commodities in comparison to the same period in 2022, recording a 60% increase in price.
Despite this staggering rise in the cost of living and food prices, the spirit of Valentine’s Day remains unwavering.
While speaking with AgroNigeria, Comrade Solotech, a student of the University of Abuja, sums up the prevailing woes among many Nigerians.
His remarks, “The desire to express affection and strengthen relationships seems to outweigh financial constraints.” This sentiment underscores the profound cultural values and the intrinsic need for emotional connection, transcending the economic hardships faced by many.
Bosun Enoch, a student from the department of Animal Science, echoes similar concerns. While acknowledging the significance of expressing love through gift-giving, he laments the sad reality of dwindling purchasing power amid the nation’s economic turmoil.
Celestine Onome, a civil servant, equally articulates the plight faced by many Nigerians grappling with inflationary pressures. He highlights the harsh realities of stagnant wages amidst spiraling costs, making it increasingly challenging to meet basic needs, let alone indulge in festivities. For him, the essence of Valentine’s Day loses its luster when set against the harsh realities of economic hardship.