CITY TALK WITH EGALITARIAN
PETROL NEARS ₦1,400, COOKING GAS HITS ₦1,300/KG: NIGERIANS, HOW LONG CAN WE KEEP ABSORBING THE SHOCK?
By Akinlabi Segun O.
There comes a time when economic statistics stop being mere numbers and begin to represent the daily struggles of real people. Today, the conversation is no longer simply about the price of petrol or cooking gas; it is about the Nigerian family trying to survive from one day to another. When petrol approaches ₦1,400 per litre and cooking gas rises to about ₦1,300 per kilogramme, the impact is felt in transportation fares, food prices, business costs and virtually every aspect of household life.
The question is: what should the ordinary Nigerian do when income refuses to rise at the same speed as the cost of survival? My answer is simple: we must not allow economic hardship to destroy our hope, our relationships or our lives. There is nothing wrong with admitting that things are difficult. There is nothing shameful about asking for help, reducing expenses, starting a small side business, changing consumption patterns or telling someone when the pressure is becoming too much. What is dangerous is suffering in silence until frustration becomes despair.
This is therefore a period for practical survival, family solidarity and community responsibility. We need to examine our spending, prioritise necessities, avoid unnecessary journeys where possible, plan household meals carefully and explore legitimate additional sources of income. Those who have opportunities should also remember those who are struggling. A little food, a useful contact, a job opportunity, business information or financial assistance can make a significant difference to another person’s life. We cannot all solve Nigeria’s economic problems individually, but we can make the burden lighter for one another.
And to our leaders and policymakers, Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are asking for an economy in which ordinary people can work, earn and live with dignity. Rising transportation and energy costs eventually find their way into the price of virtually everything. Government at all levels must therefore continue to pursue measures that can reduce the burden on households, support businesses and protect vulnerable citizens. The economic conversation must always remember the human being behind every statistic.
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Most importantly, please do not allow today’s hardship to convince you that your life has no value. If the pressure becomes unbearable, talk to somebody. Reach out to family, friends, colleagues, community leaders, religious leaders or a qualified professional. Do not isolate yourself. Do not make a permanent decision because of a temporary — however painful — circumstance. There is dignity in asking for help, and there is strength in choosing to keep going.
Nigeria is going through a difficult period, but Nigerians have survived difficult periods before. Let us complain where we must, demand accountability where necessary, seek solutions where possible and, above all, keep hope alive.
This is not the time to give up. This is the time to stand together, think differently, support one another and find a way forward.
CITY TALK WITH EGALITARIAN
Speaking for the people. Thinking beyond the moment.
Credit: Akinlabi Segun O.
Convener, EGALITARIAN TEAM
Orator, City Talk With Egalitarian
segunoakinlabi@gmail.com
