The prohibitive cost of living means many Christians throughout Nigeria cannot prepare for Christmas celebrations because they simply do not have the money.

Poor and indigent Christians in Maiduguri are in for a bleak Christmas – the prohibitive cost of commodities, particularly food, means many cannot afford to prepare properly for one of their most important holy days.

They say that since the fuel subsidy was removed in July the prices of all commodities, including food and livestock, have soared and they simply do not have the money to spend on festivities.

Many will not be able to leave the city to celebrate with relatives in their hometowns – a tradition for many Christians – because of the exorbitant price of petrol.

Many told RNI that it was not just the high cost of transport, it was also because of the recent rise in the number of cases of insecurity in the state. They feared for their lives.

Abigail Ibrahim told RNI that the prices of goods at markets had risen sharply.
“We are supposed to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. This usually entails going to church and then having a feast to celebrate. It is also a time we get together with our families – often in our hometowns – and we exchange gifts and cards. But many of us do not have the money to prepare properly for Christmas Day.

“Prices of food and other goods have skyrocketed since the fuel subsidy was removed. Products that used to cost about ₦200 or ₦500 now cost ₦1,000 or ₦2,000.

“We would really be grateful if the government took measures to introduce a price control policy so that we could buy goods and pay for services at affordable prices.”

Emmanuel Enang said the lack of adequate circulation of naira notes, the high cost of living, as well as the increased prices of fuel, cooking gas, food items and other goods and services were adding to the plight of poor Christians.

“The cost-of-living crisis has hit the whole of Nigeria and people all over the country are suffering. We urgently need the government to subsidise the prices of goods and services to help ordinary people so that they can prepare for the Christmas festivities.

“We have hope and are optimistic that, with the help and grace of God, things will be better and transformative next year.”

Augustina Pious, a resident of Maiduguri who is originally from Adamawa State, said that Christmas was fast approaching and people had no spare money.

“Only God can save us in this situation because even the prices of non-food items, such as clothes and shoes, have increased in the market let alone the cost of food.

“This is exceedingly difficult for Christians, especially if you are poor. It is almost impossible to prepare properly for Christmas. Instead, it looks as if we will be celebrating Christmas in a low-key and low-cost way which is a pity because it is an important day in the Christian calendar and it comes around only once a year. It is the birth date of Christ and we should be celebrating it. I and many other Christians are feeling extremely dismayed.”

Augustina urged both the federal and state governments to assist Christians, particularly the poor ones, so that they could celebrate Christmas with happiness and a smile on their faces.

Ezekiel Amos told RNI that the prices of food, including livestock such as goats and sheep, had soared.

“Before we could buy a goat for ₦20,000 but now it costs almost ₦80,000 at the market. It is not possible for poor Christians to buy food or prepare for Christmas. There are many people who will not be able to celebrate Christmas this year. The cost of living is just far too high.

“I just hope that we have a peaceful Christmas despite all the challenges across the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“Christmas is a family event – a time when lots of family members come together to pray and to celebrate and have fun. Most families who live in cities travel to the villages of their grandparents and older relatives.

“But I don’t think many Christians will be able to travel, not only because of the prohibitive cost of goods and transport but also because of insecurity in the state, which appears to be on the rise again. I pray that God will grant His mercy to all Christians. I hope they will be able to celebrate this wonderful day, even if they have to keep it low-key because of the exorbitant cost of living.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO