Calabar, Cross River State, residents assessed that their Christmas shopping expenses for 2022 will be the greatest since 2020. They attributed this to ongoing naira devaluation, hefty import tariffs, and purported misgovernance.

Nigerian Tribune conducted a survey of locals to find out how they felt about Christmas shopping, how it used to be, and what they planned to do during the holiday season the next year.

Mr. Tochukwu Ibekwe, a merchant at Watt Market, voiced concern about the high cost of items even at wholesale prices.

“I get children’s clothing in bulk from Lagos and shop in Calabar, but since 2020, business has not been strong at all due to unfavorable market conditions.
I feel bad for my clients sometimes, but is there anything I can do? Everything is pricey, therefore I have to sell in order to be able to return to the market. It’s not just my issue; the market this year is the most costly since 2020. Nothing is cheap, not even when it comes to gari, beef, or fish, Ibekwe remarked.

The civil servant Mrs. Theodora Effiong stated: “Do you realize that this year has been the worst since 2015? Just head to the market; I won’t have to tell you. My family spent the most on Christmas this year compared to 2020, but we received the lowest value. It is unfortunate.

Mr. Osim Edim, for his part, expressed dissatisfaction, saying that “the increase in transport fare is due to the cost of fuel.” The Christmas party this year is unlike any other. The price of the products nearly led to a fight with my wife. There isn’t anything reasonable you can buy with N20,000 in the market. The money runs out before you can purchase two items.