Encomium
Amidst the unprecedented high exchange rate of the dollar to naira, currency devaluation and inflation threatening the Nigerian economy, housewives admit the situation is getting out of hand. ENCOMIUM Weekly asked some of them how they are coping with the hard times.
MRS. NELLY NWACHUKWU
How have you been coping with the rise in prices of food stuff?
What do we do? We are coping, waiting for the rise to come down. All I do is reduce my expenses and cut down my demands. We must survive.
What do you think is responsible?
What I think is responsible is the forthcoming election. I think the politicians seized our money.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
Depending on the family and the area or state they are based, and the size of the family, their demands. For me, and the size of my family from kids to school every day , fueling the car, the generator, feeding the kids and the boys in my house, health, we spend around N100,000.
MRS. MONI ADEYEMO
How have you been coping with the rise in prices of food stuff?
The rate at which prices of food stuff are going up is alarming, nothing seems to be enough again.
What do you think is responsible?
Bad government, corruption. They are using the forthcoming elections as avenue to steal. Some of them know this is their last chance.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
I wouldn’t say a particular amount, just cut your coat according to your cloth. Try and eat a balanced diet in your own little way.
MRS. STELLA MARTINS
How have you been coping with the rise in prices of food stuff?
We don’t have a choice than to look for ways out of it. But I must say it has not been easy. Virtually everything has gone up.
What do you think is responsible?
A lot of people are using the election as a means to exploit people. The rise in the dollar is another factor
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
Depending on the size of the family. I think N50,000 is enough to live an average life.
MRS. EJIRO OGUNBADEJO
How have you been coping with the recent rise in prices of foodstuff?
The recent rise in price of food stuff is alarming, everyone is capitalising on the rise of dollar. And I have been coping by strict budgeting, prioritizing the needs and wants of my family.
What do you think is responsible for the increase?
I believe the reason for the increase is the present situation of the country. We need good governance.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
For a small size family of about four to six persons, you need at least a budget of about N100,000 to N200,000 to satisfy the monthly basic needs.
MRS. LINDA EJEZIE
How have you been coping with the recent rise in prices of foodstuff?
The sudden increase in the prices of foodstuff is alarming but we are managing it. For me, it all depends if the items are imported. But everyone has just increased the prizes of their foodstuff because of the increase in the exchange rate of the dollar.
What do you think is responsible for the increase?
The only thing I find responsible here is greed. Everyone now blames it on the dollar even the mallam selling chewing gum will inflate prices and tell you it’s the dollar. I feel people should just be reasonable and considerate.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
A family needs between N100,000 and N150,000 monthly to survive, aside the payment of school fees and other extra charges that come up unexpectedly.
MRS. EMEM CHUKUMA
How have you been coping with the recent rise in prices of foodstuff?
We are coping very well, I buy what I can afford.
What do you think is responsible for the hike?
The major reason responsible is the increase in the exchange rate of the dollar.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
It depends on the number of people in the family and your income. To me, I think I need about N100,000.
MRS. HOSSANA ETIM
How have you been coping with the recent rise in price of foodstuff?
My family is managing because there is nothing else for us to do than to manage and pray.
What do you think is responsible?
I don’t really know the angle it is coming from, whether from the rising dollar or from election. I think 70 percent is from the election because much of our funds, even in my state, Akwa Ibom, salaries have not been paid because of election.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
I need more than N50,000 to take care of my family.
MRS. FIDELIA MICHAEL
How have you been coping with the recent rise in prices of foodstuff?
The rise in dollar is really affecting everybody in this country and there is nothing one can do. We need to survive, that’s why you have to buy foodstuff at any given price.
What do you think is responsible?
I can’t tell what is responsible but I think the situation is in the hands of the government.
How much do you think a family needs to survive in a month?
It all depends on the size of the family. As for me, I need much.
