Whoever could have predicted the state of the economy today
after the change we so desperately sought after in the country was granted!
With a new government and the aggression with which it fought
the corrupt state which has eaten deep into the system today, we all started living
in a fool’s paradise. Thinking the price of petroleum will probably fall to 20
naira per litre, thinking we’ll be privy to electricity at least 20 hours in a
day or that a dollar will be the equivalent of a naira.
We concluded things couldn’t be as bad, since we were
considered the largest economy in Africa, an oil rich country, the purported giant
of Africa, but alas, the fuel queues wouldn’t disappear, there was no hope in
getting PHCN to turn on power for at least 20 mins in a week, the heat emasnating
from the sun rays has become increasing unbearable, well-paying jobs have
become scarce and the foreign exchange rate has become heartbreakingly high.
Hence, our survival instinct has to kick in. Here are a few
tips on how to survive in the face of the economic instability plaguing our
beloved country:
1. Start a business to address unemployment:
If you already have a job, please do everything you can to
keep it, as times are hard. However, if you are currently unemployed, the best
way to tackle unemployment is through personal empowerment. Entrepreneurship is
key, start something today. Even if it’s a small trading business, monetizing
your writing, event coordination or planning, get something done.
Tap into the various industries at your disposal, Lagosian
love to party, get into a catering business, start small but who knows, you
could probably end up catering to bigger events or even be hired as an interior
decorator in the homes of some affluent people living in the upscale
residential areas of Lekki or Victoria
Island.
2. Minimize
or stop foreign purchase for now:
I know this is no easy feat, but you have to buy Nigerian to
grow the naira. The consolation here though is that our indigenous fashion
designer for instance are doing a tremendous job right now. You can get your
fashion apparels from stores like shopmaju or the 5k store. Get your household
items, appliances or accessories from online stores in Nigeria. Stick to Jumia
or Konga right now, to avoid the overbearing cost of importation.
3. Use cheap hotels only:
If you have to travel round the country, avoid staying in luxury
hotels in Nigeria for now. If you need a place to stay close to the
airport, stick to affordable hotels
in Ikeja, like the Ibis
Hotel Ikeja which lies in close proximity to the Murtala Muhammed Airport
and Ikeja City Mall.
The hotels in Lagos and Abuja are considered to be on the
high end of the cost spectrum but you can get affordable accommodations like
the Bolton
White Hotel and Apartment online through Jovago, Africa’s no 1 hotel booking
portal. You are assured of great deals and amazing discounts on all hotel
across the country.
4. Maintain the Nigerian sense of humor:
While we continue to struggle with the seemingly unabating
economic hardship, our will to survive should be the greatest resolve. We must
ensure that we retain the Nigerian sense of humor, for which we are well known.
Humour is a sure way to cope with all the hassle and it lifts all the pressure
off us.
5. Fight the heat:
To protect yourself from the health consequences of the heat
wave, stick to wearing light and loosely fitted clothing, drink plenty of
water, use a deodorant spray and wear sunglasses.
No comments:
Post a Comment