As recession bites harder, here are 9 irresistible things Nigerians want for Christmas this year
Christmas time is here again. The decorations are out and people are already shopping for the yuletide season.
There is merriment in the air but apparently, most Nigerians are finding it hard to cope with the financial stress that comes with Christmas. You do not need to be told that things are hard and the economic recession is affecting a lot of people. The prices of goods are way up and many are wondering how they will afford the rice, chickens, goats, new shoes and dresses and for the children and lot of other stuffs.
Recession or not, Nigerians will celebrate Christmas in whatever way they can.
The Yuletide season is a time of giving and receiving gifts. Many are already looking forward to what they will receive. For some, it’s the latest iPhone, their dream car, a house on Banana Island and the list goes on. However, there are certain things Nigerians desire more than anything.
What do Nigerians really want for Christmas this year?
1. Free bags of rice
There is hardly any family that does not cook rice for Christmas. Following the economic recession, the price has gone up and not many people can afford it. Most Nigerians would not mind getting free bags of rice to celebrate this festive period. What would the celebrations be like without Christmas rice?
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2. The value of the naira should rise
Nigerians want the national currency to fully recover. It has been depreciating against other foreign currency. On Tuesday, December 6, it dropped to N485 from N484 against the dollar and N600 from N590 against the British pound at the parallel market. Some people are still hoping for the naira to be equal in value to the dollar so they can shop till they drop. Even if is not one dollar equal one naira, let it just come down to like N100 to one dollar.
3. Cheap and fast internet
Compared to what is obtainable in developed countries, internet does not come cheap in Nigeria. Not only is it not cheap, it can also be very slow which can be frustrating. We all know how crappy the networks can be during festive seasons. A number of people want affordable, fast and reliable internet connection to stay in contact with their loved ones during this season.
4. Uninterrupted power supply
After gaining independence 56 years ago, Nigeria still cannot boast of a stable power supply. Most homes depend on generators to power their refrigerators and other home appliances. It is not like fuel is cheap. Most Nigerians want stable electricity this Christmas so they would not have to spend money buying fuel. Seriously, who doesn’t want uninterrupted electricity this festive season and forever?
5. Free comedy and music shows
It is no longer news that Nigerians love to have fun that is why a lot of shows are planned for the holidays. There will be a lot of shows this Christmas period and most people would love to attend. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford these shows which are usually not free. People have not seen money to feed it is to attend a show. So, they would not mind if the shows are free because things are really hard.
6. Unlimited cash account
Food, clothes, shoes, they all cost money. A lot of people buy new shoes, clothes and make expensive hair for Christmas. How do you get all you need to outshine your friends and neighbours when your bank account is saying no money?
READ ALSO: Prices of goods crash in the market 21 days before Christmas
7. An escape to another country
A lot of people are already tired of Nigeria. Some people have joked about them selling Nigeria since the leaders have not been able to make life easier and sweeter for the people. Many are applying for visas so they can relocate to other countries as they can no longer stand the suffering and have lost hope that things will get better. Some others are in love with their fatherland and do not want to relocate. All they want this Christmas is an opportunity to go on an all-expense paid trip to their vacation spot. They just want a break from all the overwhelming challenges in Nigeria.
8. Good roads
Many people will be traveling to their villages this festive season. Not many can afford flight tickets and their only option is going by road. However, majority of the roads have become death traps. Many have lost their lives due to bad roads. Nigerians will be glad if the government rises up to its responsibility and fix the roads for a smoother journey.
9. Out of recession
Prices of goods are escalating and everyone is blaming it on recession. People are using recession as an excuse to increase the prices of goods and extort people. Nigerians cannot wait for the recession to be over so things can go back to normal.
What do you want this Christmas?