From Suleiman Abubakar
Since the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, Nigerians across the country have been grappling with severe economic strain, with the impacts most keenly felt in communities like those in Nasarawa State.
Residents from different parts of the state have expressed their frustration, stating that they never anticipated facing such widespread hardship as a result of the policy change.
For many households, the removal of the subsidy has caused an unprecedented rise in the cost of living. Breadwinners are struggling to provide for their families, with some reporting that homes are breaking apart due to their inability to cover even basic expenses.
This economic strain has led to increased family tensions, job losses, and a general sense of hopelessness as financial burdens mount.
Prices of essential commodities, particularly food, have surged dramatically. Staple items such as rice, garri, and cooking oil have seen steep price hikes, making it difficult for families to put food on the table.
Additionally, there is a noticeable scarcity of cash in circulation, further exacerbating the problem as people find it harder to access money for day-to-day transactions.
Education has also been severely affected.
Many parents report being unable to pay for their children’s school fees, forcing a large number of students to drop out. Public schools, which serve as the only option for many, are in a dismal state.
Facilities are falling apart, with crumbling infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, and a lack of properly qualified teachers.
This situation has led to declining educational standards, raising concerns about the future of the younger generation.
Healthcare services, too, have become a luxury many cannot afford.
The removal of subsidies in the health sector has meant that access to affordable medical care is now out of reach for many families. As healthcare costs rise, those in need of treatment are left with few options, worsening public health outcomes in the region.
On top of these issues, electricity tariffs have also surged, further straining household budgets.
With the increased cost of power, families are forced to make difficult choices, prioritizing basic needs like food over electricity, which further diminishes their quality of life.
As these cascading effects of the subsidy removal continue to unfold, the people of Nasarawa—and Nigerians nationwide—are expressing growing despair.
Many fear that without government intervention, these challenges will only deepen, making recovery seem like a distant hope.
For now, communities remain resilient but weary, as they wait for relief from the heavy burden they carry in this new economic reality
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