What if the classic “12 Days of Christmas” carol was rewritten from a Nigerian perspective, reflecting the prices of goods and services in 2024? Instead of partridges and pear trees, imagine bags of rice, kegs of oil, and even broiler hens. With rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, True Love’s budget this year would need a serious adjustment to keep up with these festive gifts.
The Nigerian Christmas Price Index (CPI) for 2024 paints a vivid picture of how much more expensive holiday traditions have become. From staple foods to party essentials, the cost of celebrating in style has reached dizzying heights.
So, without much further ado, let’s look at how True Love’s wallet would fare in this Nigerian retelling of the beloved carol.
On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me…
A Large Bag of Basmati
Old Unit Cost: ₦60,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦120,000 (+100%)
True Love kicks things off with a large bag of basmati rice, but this year, it’s double the price! The 100% increase from January to December 2024 makes this staple food a luxury item. At ₦120,000 per bag, the rice remains the same, but the cost is taking a bigger bite out of True Love’s wallet.
Two Kegs of Oil
Old Unit Cost: ₦8,650 | Current Unit Cost: ₦20,000 (+131%)
The price of a 5-litre gallon of vegetable oil has seen a constant rise and fall the entire year and now, the percentage difference from its price in January rests at a whopping 131%.
Three Broiler Hens
Old Unit Cost: ₦10,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦19,000 (+90%)
Three broiler hens are a quintessential Christmas gift in Nigeria, but this year, they’re far from affordable. With a 90% increase, True Love will spend ₦57,000 for the same chickens that cost half as much earlier this year. Unfortunately, they’re neither bigger nor tastier—just pricier.
Four Owambe Invites
Old Unit Cost: ₦300,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦522,000 (+74%)
Attending an Owambe—a traditional Nigerian party—is a cultural highlight, especially for those of Yoruba extraction, but the costs have surged by 74%. From asoebi outfits to makeup artists, attending four Owambe parties now sets True Love back ₦522,000. That’s before even considering the “spray money” for dancing!
Five Golden Rings
Old Unit Cost: ₦65,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦99,000 (+52%)
Gold has always symbolized luxury, but even this precious metal isn’t immune to inflation. If True Love were to follow the 12 Days of Christmas classic and opt for five golden rings, they’d have to pay a whopping ₦495,000! Gold may glitter, but it’s also burning a big hole in the holiday budget.
Six Cows for Parties
Old Unit Cost: ₦750,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦900,000 (+20%)
Cows are a great staple for large Nigerian Christmas feasts, but they’ve become 20% more expensive this year, costing ₦5,400,000 for six. With fewer cows at parties, it’s no wonder Christmas celebrations are feeling a little less lavish in 2024.
Seven Packs of Malt
Old Unit Cost: ₦6,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦13,950 (+132.5%)
This December, the festivity’s favorite may only be served to adults above 60 because of its growth streak. Seven packs of malt now cost ₦97,650, making this an expensive treat. True Love might want to ration these to avoid overspending!
Eight Baskets of Pepper
Old Unit Cost: ₦3,150 | Current Unit Cost: ₦6,700 (+112%)
Due to its seasonal nature, pepper, the foundation of Nigerian cooking, has seen a rollercoaster ride in terms of price this year. At one point it was so high that Nigerians turned to using substitutes. Right now a 4 litre paint bucket costs 112% more than it did in January.
Nine Yards of Ankara
Old Unit Cost: ₦16,665 | Current Unit Cost: ₦29,000 (+74%)
After a significant increase, the Ankara fabric has become a costly outfit choice, with prices surging by 74% in just one year. Meaning New Year’s First Sunday service may not have the fashion inspiration you are used to.
Ten iPhones for Calling
Old Unit Cost: ₦625,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦660,000 (+5.6%)
To buy ten Iphones, True Love needs to be swimming in cash. Although it increased slightly in price this year, the Iphone still remains the second most expensive gift on the list at ₦6,600,000.
Eleven Bottles of Wine
Old Unit Cost: ₦7,000 | Current Unit Cost: ₦15,000 (+114%)
Wine prices have doubled, with an increase of 114%. At ₦165,000 for eleven bottles, True Love might need to limit the Christmas toast to one glass per two guests just to make the wine stretch through the holiday season.
Twelve Litres of Fuel
Old Unit Cost: ₦600 | Current Unit Cost: ₦1,040 (+73%)
Fuel prices have climbed by 73%, making transportation and electricity costs rise as well. If True Love’s gift comes in the form of fuel, then that love is true indeed.
The Total Cost of True Love’s Gifts in 2024
In this Nigerian retelling of the “12 Days of Christmas,” True Love would need to spend a whopping ₦13,823,730 to deliver all the gifts. The steep price hikes across food, clothing, and essentials highlight just how inflation has hit the average Nigerian household this year, turning what should be a season of joy into a season of financial strain.
So, as we meet up with loved ones to celebrate the season, let’s remember to show gratitude for the little things—even if they might not be much.
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