As the festive season approaches, markets across Nigeria are bustling with activity. Both Christians and Muslims are flocking to shops to stock up on essential items in preparation for their upcoming celebrations.
For Christians, the excitement of Christmas drives the surge in shopping, while many Muslims are using this period to prepare for the Ramadan fast and Eid-ul-Fitr, which follows just a few months later.
This early shopping trend reflects a growing culture of pre-festive stocking, fueled by the country’s persistent economic challenges. With prices of goods rising daily, many Nigerians choose to buy and store items early to avoid paying even higher prices closer to the celebrations.
Key items on shopping lists include staples like rice, vegetable oil, spices, soft drinks, mats, and livestock for festive feasts. Families are also prioritizing clothing, with some Muslims already sewing outfits for Eid-ul-Fitr. “I’ve learned to prepare early,” said Fatima Usman, a mother of five. “Last year, I waited until the Ramadan period, and everything was almost double the price. This time, I’m buying in bits to avoid surprises.”
The markets have become a melting pot of shoppers from different backgrounds, with traders reporting a significant increase in demand. However, the experience of shopping in such a busy environment varies. John Emmanuel, a civil servant shopping for Christmas, described the rush as overwhelming. “It’s not easy navigating through the crowd, especially when prices are unstable. You have to haggle hard or risk paying much more,” he said.
For many, the rising cost of goods has turned festive preparation into a stressful ordeal. With inflation impacting household budgets, shoppers are forced to make tough choices. “I came here with ₦50,000 thinking it would cover everything, but I’ve barely scratched the surface,” said Adekunle Ojo, a father of three. “Even items like rice and oil are now beyond what I budgeted for. I had to leave out some things.”
Despite these challenges, many shoppers feel a strong sense of responsibility to ensure their families can celebrate meaningfully. “It’s stressful, but this is part of our culture,” said Juliet Obeta, a grandmother buying Christmas gifts for her grandchildren. “I can’t imagine the season without proper food and gifts. So I endure the market chaos.”
Some buyers have turned to creative solutions to cope with rising prices. Group purchasing has become popular, where friends or families pool resources to buy in bulk and share the items among themselves.
Others are prioritizing items that can be stored for long periods. “I focus on non-perishables now and leave fresh produce until later,” explained Aisha Ibrahim, a trader shopping for both Christmas and Ramadan.
Traders themselves are not immune to economic pressures. Many have expressed concerns about meeting demand as wholesale prices continue to rise. “We’re trying to keep prices reasonable, but it’s not easy,” said Musa Zayyanu, a market vendor in Sokoto. “Transport costs are higher, and suppliers are increasing their rates every week. It’s hard for both us and the customers.”
Transport costs and logistics have added another layer of complexity to festive preparations. Many shoppers complain about the increased expense of moving goods, especially those buying in bulk. Yet, the determination to prepare for the festivities remains strong, as Nigerians find ways to adapt to the challenges.
Despite the financial and logistical difficulties, the festive spirit is alive and well. Communities are buzzing with anticipation, and homes are beginning to display the colourful lights and decorations that mark the season.
As one shopper put it: “No matter how tough things get, we still find joy in our celebrations. It’s who we are as Nigerians.”
These experiences, full of both struggles and resilience, highlight the enduring importance of family, faith, and tradition in Nigeria. As the celebrations draw nearer, Nigerians remain steadfast in their determination to create meaningful memories with their loved ones, turning challenges into opportunities to celebrate life and togetherness.
