Easter: Traders, buyers lament high cost of commodities, scarcity of funds

 Ahead of Easter celebrations, traders, business owners, and citizens of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have expressed concern about the high cost of consumables.

A visit to the markets in Osogbo's Igbona, Akindeko, Ayegbaju, Olode, and Oja-Oba revealed that operations are continuing as usual despite the rising price of food.

Isaac Adekunle, a local who bemoaned the increase in food prices, voiced concern that Nigerians have been dealing with one problem or another since the end of January.

Ahead of Easter celebrations, traders, business owners, and citizens of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have expressed concern about the high cost of consumables.

A visit to the markets in Osogbo's Igbona, Akindeko, Ayegbaju, Olode, and Oja-Oba revealed that operations are continuing as usual despite the rising price of food.

Isaac Adekunle, a local who bemoaned the increase in food prices, voiced concern that Nigerians have been dealing with one problem or another since the end of January.

"All of these issues are putting undue pressure on people. Nigerians seem to be living in a pressure cooker at the moment. It has been one problem or another since January.

"There has always been some sort of difficulty. When will all of this happen?

"Everyone is aware that the government's decision to redesign the naira did little to improve the situation. Cash is still in short supply despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's mandate to commercial banks to make the old Naira available.

Nobody starts a business with the intention of losing money, thus we have to make back the money we put in.

Felicia Chinedu, the manager of a restaurant, noted that extravagant holiday seasons had long been a tradition among Nigerians.

She expressed amazement at the complaints of customers and said that one should shop in accordance with their capacities.

The majority of Nigerians view the holiday season as an opportunity for further shopping, which is why it appears that prices are high.

"When we develop the habit of shopping for our needs, we won't voice a complaint.

She also backed up the claim that consumers are purchasing a lot of goods despite having limited budgets.

Steven Olagunsoye noted that it is still difficult for many locals to withdraw money from their banks and that cash is still in short supply.

"As I speak, I spent hours in front of my bank on Thursday just to get some money so that my family and I could celebrate Easter in peace.

"I had to wonder when all of this would be over. We are still in pain notwithstanding the directive that bank customers have access to the old Naira.