We understand that change is constant and so the economy must also change but let’s not lie; let’s not steal. We have all had better days; even on those days, we complained about how things could be better.

But what no one ever expected was that things could get this bad. Every Nigerian has been forced to become an economist, calculating and choosing needs over wants.

The naira-to-dollar exchange rate has left us in a state of despair and deprived us of many good things that we enjoyed before this current administration.

Here are ten things the economy took from us

1. Pringles

Our favourite potato chips, once sold for ₦750, have now risen to ₦3,500. The potato snacks, which come in different flavours, are now something of a luxury for most, who can easily add them to their cart when shopping.

2. Fruits

Healthy living is no longer affordable, and though an apple a day keeps the doctor away, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to indulge yourself in some fruits and gain the necessary vitamins as apples, at the very least, now cost ₦500 and grapes are sold for ₦3,500/₦4,000.

3. Chicken Republic

The friendly neighbourhood fast food restaurant Chicken Republic’s menu has seen a shocking increase in price. A refuel pack that was once sold for between ₦700 and ₦900 is now sold for ₦1,900. Forget the other previously affordable snacks like chicken pie and ice cream; even their salads have gone up.

4. Transport fare

“Yesterday’s prices are not today’s prices.” Well, the prices of every mode of transportation in the country have since sat on a rocket and shot for the sky, as transport fare is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re going out in this economy, whether in Danfo or Uber, you better get your money’s worth at the destination.

5. Dates

Dates can be platonic or romantic, but going out on a date in this recent economy will cost the participants an arm and a foot. Lagos restaurants are after your money, and they are subtle about it. Whether on the mainland or island, you could not spend ₦10,000 on a plate of jollof rice. Cinema dates? Arcade dates? You still need ₦30,000/₦40,000 to enjoy your time with your date conveniently.

6. Shawarma and Pizza

Lovers of Shawarma and Pizza can confirm that they can no longer indulge in such tastes of life as frequently as they once used to. Why buy shawarma when you can eat bread and mayonnaise? Pizza? In this economy? You must be a cultist.

7. Vacations

We can all agree that Nigerians are suffering a lot, right? The average Nigerian probably does not have an international passport, and when we compare vacation fees from previous years to this year, all we get is headaches and depression. What is a vacation when you can’t even board a plane from one state to another due to the expensive ticket price?

8. Parties

If you see anyone throwing a big party, we advise that you call the EFCC because where are they seeing the money to feed the multitude? Nigerians are known for their extravagant parties, bedazzling aso-oke, jewellery, and sumptuous food served at events. Still, lately, guests are counted, street boys are warned off event properties, and nobody is smiling these days when they have to throw a party.

9. DStv

Most youths today have moved on beyond cable shows and are now on digital streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, and more. DSTV, the number one cable company in Nigeria that almost every Nigerian has in their homes, has reviewed its prices, gaining the attention of the Nigerian government in the process due to the unbelievable subscription prices.

10. Fuel

This might be the most shocking thing to have happened in Nigeria as fuel, which was once sold at the rate of ₦254/litre in April 2023, is now being sold for ₦1,100 in most states across the country. Electricity? Absent. Petrol? Scarce and expensive. Darkness is the new light for Nigerians in this economy.