Easter shopping in Lagos has seen a notable decline this year as soaring food prices led many residents to scale back their purchases, according to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Markets that typically bustle with activity ahead of the holiday, including Mile 12 and Oshodi, recorded lower foot traffic and reduced sales volumes. Traders reported that staples such as rice, garri, and vegetable oil have increased sharply in price, with some items rising by over 30 percent in the past three months. A trader at Mile 12 Market, Mrs. Amina Bello, said, "People are buying only what they must eat today — no stockpiling, no extras." Another vendor, Mr. Tunde Adekunle, noted that even festive items like soft drinks and canned foods are moving slowly. Households across Lagos are adjusting their budgets, with many opting to prepare simpler meals or celebrate with smaller gatherings. The slowdown reflects broader economic pressures, as inflation continues to erode purchasing power across the country. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that food inflation stood at 40.5 percent in February 2024, up from 32.3 percent a year earlier. With no immediate relief in sight, traders expect the trend of restrained spending to persist into the coming months. Consumers interviewed said they anticipate further price increases and are prioritizing essentials over discretionary spending.
When Mrs. Amina Bello says people are buying only what they must eat today, that means households are operating on survival mode, not choice. This is not a temporary shift but a sign of deepening economic strain that undermines consumer confidence. As food inflation nears 41 percent, the real story is not the quiet markets — it's the silent squeeze on millions who can no longer afford the basics of a celebration.
