It is no longer news that Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades, leading to widespread hardship among Nigerians. In a previous article, we highlighted the difficulties that many Nigerians face as a result of the economic downturn.
For this article, we spoke to five Nigerian women who shared how they’ve been affected by the economic crisis and the measures they’ve taken to combat the situation.
“I don’t eat meat anymore”
24-year-old Tola says “I don’t eat meat anymore. I consider it healthier but I might just be broke.” Earning an average of ₦300,000 as a software developer afforded her a convenient lifestyle at the beginning of the year. However, she says there has been a steady change in her lifestyle since the rapid inflation from May 2023. Tola is not the only one that has cut many things out of her diet. The 2023 ranking for the Global Hunger Index places Nigeria at 109th out of 125 countries indicating serious hunger levels. She also thinks saving is an unwise decision with the current economic crisis. “Buying a vase is more logical because even while it depreciates, it would still be more valuable than saved money.” She expresses intentions to seek remote employment opportunities.
“I am losing my mind”
Eyitemi, a teacher and entrepreneur, with three children, had to cut her hair to support her family. “Nobody asked me to, but I had to. It now costs me over ₦20,000 to get my hair braided for a month and my children need that money.” Between her 9-5 job which pays less than ₦100,000, being an event decorator, and being a mother to three children she says “I feel exhausted and nothing I do is ever enough.” In July, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to an alarming 40.8%, the worst in 28 years. While inflation has rapidly increased, the minimum wage for Nigerians remains at ₦30,000, which is barely enough to feed one person for a month. Her salary hasn’t increased, so Eyitemi takes extra jobs on the weekends just to stay afloat, but she says that she is on the verge of losing her mind.
“I am a struggling pauper”
Hanifa, a 28-year-old freelance writer says “I used to consider myself middle class with my ₦200,000 average salary but now, I am a struggling pauper.” As a writer who wanted to focus on being a travel writer, Hanifa says “I’ve given up on that idea. I can’t even afford hangouts now.” To combat the economic crisis, Hanifa intends to get a full-time job to grow her income until she can afford to fuel her passion.
“I am no longer peng”
Fashion enthusiast and content creator Seyi says “I can’t remember the last time I bought a dress. Even thrifted clothes are now expensive.” As a 22-year-old fresh graduate, Seyi says living with her family has eased a lot of financial burdens, but growing her portfolio as a fashion content creator has been difficult. For an immediate solution, Seyi says she’s “making content around repurposing clothes for her audience.” However, she hopes to get called to serve soon so she can have a stable source of income.
“Leaving is the solution”
Making ₦500,000 from her job is no longer sustainable for 27-year-old JD who says she has had to resort to rationalising meals. “I no longer drive to work because fueling my car takes up half my salary and feeding—home and out is very expensive.” Like many other Nigerians who have intentions to “japa”, JD says leaving Nigeria is the only feasible solution.
The struggles of Nigerian women are a stark reminder of the urgent need for policy reforms, social support, and economic empowerment. It is crucial to remember that when women struggle, their families struggle and when families struggle the society at large struggles. While these women’s resilience remains strong, it is necessary for the government to foster an environment where women can thrive, not just survive.
