By Peace Olawuyi
As Christmas 2025 approaches, many Nigerians found themselves marking the season under the weight of economic realities that have shaped the year. While festive celebrations are traditionally filled with joy, travel, family, reunions, and feasting this year the atmosphere across markets, homes, and broader economic pressures tied to the policies under president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
ECONOMIC REFORMS AND COST OF LIVING PRESSURES
Tinubu’s government has pursued several major economic reforms since taking office most notably the removal of the longstanding petrol subsidy, critical changes to exchange rate policy, and tax reforms, proponents have argued these measures were necessary to reduce fiscal drain and strengthen long term economic health.
However, these reforms also triggered significant shifts in the cost of living with petrol now priced according to market forces, transportation cost surged sharply, pushing up prices of goods and services across the country. While the government credits it policies while reducing inflation on annual basics, monthly inflationary pressures especially for food have spiked around the festive season.
IMPACT ON SPENDING AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR
Traditionally, Christmas is a season of heightened economic activity in Nigeria market thrive, transport hubs bustle and families travel en-masse for reunions. This year however, many Nigerians tempered their plan in response to rising costs:
* TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT:
Public transport fares have climbed significantly due higher fuel prices, making travel between states or to hometowns more expensive for making families.
* FOOD AND FESTIVE MEAL:
Prices of staple food such as rice and chicken surged, forcing household to rethink or downsizes Christmas menus and party plans.
* RETAIL AND NON ESSENTIAL SPENDING:
With more of household income absorbed by essential, spending on clothing, gifts, outings and other festive staples dropped compared to last year leading to weaker sales in these sectors.
Market trader’s and consumers across cities from Lagos to Abuja reported a subdued shopping mood, with many prioritizing essential over traditional Christmas spending.
VOICES FROM THE GROUND
Across Nigeria, ordinary citizens and analyst highlighted how the broader economic environment dampened holiday spirit. Local commentary has pointed to a sense that these Christmas felt more like a period endurance then celebration as households grappled with shrinking real incomes and higher prices for basics.
GOVERNMENT MESSAGING AND PUBLIC RELATION
In official messages, President Tinubu and government figures urged Nigerians to remain optimistic framing reforms as necessary steps towards a stronger economy. They emphasised progress on inflation targets and fiscal stability even as many Nigerians struggled with day to day costs.
Critics from political and civil society circles however, argued that the reforms have so far lacked insufficient cushioning for the most vulnerable. They contend that the burdens of subsidy removal and price adjustment have fallen disproportionally on ordinary citizens during a festive period traditionally associated with relief and celebration.
In sum, while Christmas remains as important cultural and religious milestone this year it’s celebration in Nigeria was significantly shaped by economic reforms Undertaken by the tinubu administration. The impact were felt in home’s, markets, and travel routes offering both challenges and moments to communal solidarity in a uniquely testing festive season.