**When Cash is Scarce, Every Choice Counts in Nigeria** Imagine living in a society where you can't trust even your own currency. For millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, this is a harsh reality. A severe cash flow problem, imposed by Israel, has forced them to rely on worn-out banknotes, electronic payments, or credit to survive. But what does this mean for people like Samar Abu Harbied, a 45-year-old housewife in Gaza City? For Abu Harbied, a simple task like buying groceries to break her fast during Ramadan has become a daunting challenge. Without a single naira in her purse, she had to ask a grocer if she could put the bill on credit until her husband or son could wire the money to him. This is not an uncommon scenario in Gaza, where the scarcity of cash has reached crisis levels. People are forced to walk long distances, avoid using taxis, or rely on electronic payments that often come with their own set of problems. In Nigeria, we can relate to the struggles of Gaza's residents. Think of a time when you had to wait in a long queue for a bank to dispense cash or when your ATM card was declined due to insufficient funds. It's a frustrating experience that many Nigerians can attest to. But in Gaza, this is a daily reality. The Palestinian Monetary Authority has introduced mobile-based electronic payments to help residents overcome the liquidity problem. While this has been a lifesaver for some, like Shady Abu Harbied, who receives his daily wage through electronic transfer, it has its own set of challenges. For instance, some sellers still refuse to accept worn-out banknotes, forcing people to spend their entire cash reserves in one go. In conclusion, the cash crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial stability and access to cash. As Nigerians, we can learn from Gaza's experience and work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible financial system that caters to the needs of all citizens. By doing so, we can ensure that every choice counts, and every transaction is a smooth one.