As Muslims across Nigeria mark the end of Ramadan with Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the mood this year is markedly subdued. Across major cities and rural communities, many families are scaling down festivities, with economic hardship forcing a shift from traditional lavish feasts to more modest gatherings.
With inflation at record levels and food prices soaring, many households are struggling to afford staple Eid delicacies. A bag of rice, which cost around ₦40,000 last year, now sells for nearly double that price in some markets. Similarly, the cost of meat, cooking oil, and other essentials has surged, making it difficult for many families to prepare the festive meals they are accustomed to.
“In previous years, we would slaughter a ram and share with neighbors. This year, we could barely afford chicken,” said Fatima Bello, a Lagos resident, highlighting the financial strain many Nigerians are facing.
Despite the economic downturn, many worshippers remain steadfast in their faith, prioritizing the spiritual significance of the occasion over material excess. At mosques nationwide, large congregations gathered for Eid prayers, offering gratitude for completing the holy month of fasting. Clerics urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, emphasizing the values of resilience and charity.
“Eid is about gratitude and sharing, not about how much we can spend. We must remember those who have even less and continue to support each other,” Imam Yusuf Ibrahim of Abuja’s Central Mosque said in his sermon.
The federal government has acknowledged the economic difficulties citizens are facing, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently assuring Nigerians that relief measures are in the pipeline. Policies aimed at tackling inflation, stabilizing the naira, and boosting local food production have been introduced, but their impact is yet to be widely felt.
Economic analysts argue that more urgent action is needed. “While the government has made pronouncements, Nigerians need immediate interventions such as food subsidies, wage adjustments, and tax reliefs to cushion the impact of the crisis,” said Dr. Emmanuel Oke, an economist at the University of Lagos.
In the face of hardship, acts of generosity are helping to lift spirits. Across the country, wealthy individuals, religious organizations, and NGOs have stepped up food distribution efforts, providing thousands of families with essential supplies. Many mosques and Islamic groups have also intensified zakat (charitable giving) programs to support the less privileged.
“Even though things are tough, we cannot stop giving. This is what our faith teaches us,” said Alhaji Musa Sani, who organized a community feeding program in Kano that served over 1,000 people.
As the celebrations wind down, many Nigerians are left reflecting on the dual realities of gratitude and struggle. While the economic outlook remains uncertain, the spirit of Eid – marked by resilience, faith, and communal support – endures.
For millions across the country, the hope remains that by the next Eid-el-Fitr, economic conditions will have improved, allowing families to celebrate without the heavy burden of financial worry.
