With hours left before the commencement of the month-long Ramadan fasting period, HAFEEZ OGUNREMI speaks with some Muslims on the high cost of living in the country and how it impacts their plans for the holy month.
FOR many Muslims, the month of Ramadan is a month-long fasting period which annually begins after the sighting of the moon is ascertained by the spiritual leader. The Sightings of the moon are done all over the world, from Saudi Arabia to the far northern corner of Sokoto, Nigeria, where the Sultan of Sokoto resides.
It is not unusual for preparations to be in earnest for the month-long period with many going to the markets to stock their stores and kitchens with enough food for the period, but as of today, lamentation and complaints rent the air following the poor state of the country’s economy. The constant rise in prices of goods and foodstuffs has become unbearable for many Nigerians and their families.
As the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs seem to affect all food produce and even fruits, many Muslim folks have been thrown into confusion regarding how they prepare for this year’s Ramadan. This is because even locally-made foodstuffs have not been spared in the constant hike in prices of goods, leaving the masses with little to no option.
Be it at the markets, at home, religious centres or even within a small gathering, most conversations among the people are about the deplorable state of the nation.
For a family of six depending on the country’s minimum wage of N30,000 which was approved in 2019, it means such family will depend on a N1,000 every day of the month, which ironically is less than a dollar going by the exchange rate as of today.
