CHRISTMAS is often painted in hues of joy and cheer—a season of carols, brightly lit trees, and shared laughter. For many across the world, it’s a time to celebrate the year’s blessings with loved ones. Yet, for many Nigerians, the season feels anything but merry. Instead of glittering lights and warmth, they face shadows of loss, loneliness, and hunger pangs—a reality often described as a “Blue Christmas.”
Beyond its theological undertones commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought hope to mankind, Christmas has also been a season of rest and rejuvenation, coinciding with the end of the year. For decades, Nigerians had always joined the world in celebrating the joyous occasion. However, this year’s anniversary feels markedly different for glaring reasons.
Apparently, the idea of a “Blue Christmas” resonates deeply in a nation grappling with economic turmoil and the aftermath of a tumultuous year. Families mourn the absence of loved ones lost to banditry in the north.
In the south, individuals endure harrowing experiences of isolation in kidnappers’ dens. These grim realities, compounded by the season’s expectations of cheer, magnify despair and hopelessness in many homes. The pressure to exude joy amidst genuine hardship only adds to the emotional burden.
More so, the economic challenges Nigerians have faced since the beginning of this year had plunged many into destitution. While the previous administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari presented its difficulties, the past 20 months have brought unprecedented hardship. For the first time since independence in 1960, Nigerians are scouring dustbins for food, and the dignity of manhood eroded by the crushing weight of poverty, metaphorically speaking.
For instance, as of November, Nigeria’s inflation rate surged to 34.60 per cent, up from 33.88 per cent in October. The cost of living has soared, and doing business has become nearly untenable, with prices doubling or even tripling in many sectors. Despite protracted negotiations with organized labour and the private sector, President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new minimum wage of N70,000 mid-year has done little to provide relief, with a bag of rice—a staple food for Christmas celebrations—now selling for over N100,000; rendering the wage increase practically meaningless.
President Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, without sufficient measures to cushion the impact, has only worsened Nigerians’ plight. Fuel, the lifeline of Nigeria’s economy, has become exorbitantly expensive, disrupting both families and businesses. This policy misstep has cast a long shadow over what is traditionally a season of joy and generosity, with many people rendered unwillingly immobile.
Furthermore, the incessant collapse of the national grid has plunged the nation into darkness, further compounding the difficulties faced by Nigerians. With power supply at an all-time low, families and businesses have been forced to rely on costly alternatives like fuel-powered generator-sets and solar, both of which have become increasingly unaffordable. The absence of stable power has not only stifled productivity but also stripped many households of the basic comfort of electricity during this festive season.
Additionally, the naira’s continued devaluation against the dollar and other global currencies has exacerbated the economic challenges. As of December, the exchange rate remains precariously high, driving up the cost of imports and making exports less competitive. This has led to skyrocketing prices of essential goods, from foodstuffs to medications, pushing many Nigerians further into despair. The prostrate currency has eroded purchasing power, leaving even middle-class families struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone indulgences during the Yuletide.
Nigerians are also reeling under the weight of an overstretched healthcare system, rising unemployment, and insecurity that has forced many to live in fear. For countless citizens, this Christmas season offers little solace, as the struggles of daily life overshadow any hope for celebration. The combined weight of these challenges paints a picture of a nation in gloom.
However, even in the midst of such adversity, Christmas brings an undying message of hope and renewal. The birth of Christ signifies the triumph of light over darkness, reminding us that despair cannot triumph ad infinitum. Having weathered many months of storms, the season beckons on Nigerians to shake off despair and put on an amour of hope. Walking together in unison and sharing even the simplest of meals, exchanging heartfelt wishes, and lending a helping hand to a neighbor in distress accord with the spirit of the season. It is in these acts of love and solidarity that the true essence of Christmas is found.
We must also remember that while the current challenges are seemingly intractable, they are not insurmountable. With decisive action of policymakers and support of the citizenry, the tides can turn for good. It’s incumbent on the federal government and subnational authorities to review economic policies that have impoverished citizens. Governance should have human face and focused on providing for the vulnerable and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. Concrete measures bolstered by sound, sustainable strategies to uplift the country and the people are needed.
Let us therefore look to the future with faith and hope embodied in the Christmas celebration. It’s a promise fulfilled against all odds, a divine assurance that better days lie ahead. Nigerians can take heart, knowing that every trial presents an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Let us, therefore, embrace the essence of Christmas, which lies in love and sharing, even in the face of scarcity. This season is not about indulgence or ostentation but about extending kindness and generosity to neighbors, as Christ exemplified. Let us reflect on the reason for His birth and find hope in the spirit of giving. Together, we can make this Christmas a time of renewal. Merry Christmas.
