Kawo Market, one of Kaduna’s busiest commercial centres
The 2025 edition of Christmas celebrations are over. But the echoes are still around with celebrators still sharing their experiences.
In this report, our correspondent who went round town a few days before the Christmas day, paints vivid pictures of the ambience, narratives and scenarios of the celebration in Kaduna.
As Christmas draws near, Kaduna city is gradually slipping into the festive season, but the familiar Yuletide excitement appears dampened by prevailing economic hardship. Across major markets and transport hubs, residents speak less of celebration and more of survival, as rising costs continue to shape how the season is observed.
At Kawo Market, one of Kaduna’s busiest commercial centres, the usual December rush is noticeably subdued. Traders sit behind neatly arranged goods, calling out to customers who often stop to ask prices—only to walk away moments later. Bags of rice, beans and maize now sell at prices many households can no longer afford, while cooking oil and seasoning have become rationed purchases.
“I used to sell more during Christmas,” said a foodstuff trader at Kawo Market who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “But this year, people buy small quantities. Some just ask for prices and leave,” she added.
The situation is similar at Kasuwan Bacci and Central Market, where poultry sellers lament poor sales. A medium-sized chicken, a Christmas staple in many homes, now costs almost double what it did last year. Sellers attribute the increase to high feed prices and transportation costs.
For many residents, Christmas shopping has become a matter of compromise. Families are cutting down on meat consumption, buying fewer items, and adjusting menus. Some have abandoned the idea of hosting guests altogether.
Transportation costs remain a major concern. At Sabon Tasha Motor Park and Kawo Motor Park, travellers complain that fares to neighbouring towns and states have remained high, despite claims of fuel price adjustments.
Deborah Andrew, a civil servant in Kaduna, said transportation continued to strain household finances. “Even with talks about fuel price reduction, transport fares are still high,” she said.
“When fuel was selling above ₦500, transport fares went up. Now that fuel sells between ₦800 and ₦900, motorists have refused to reduce fares. They still maintain the old prices.”
According to her, the high cost of transportation directly affects food prices. “Traders keep saying transportation is expensive, so foodstuff remains costly. From the farm to markets like Kasuwan Bacci or Central Market, the cost keeps increasing, and it is the consumer that suffers,” she added.
At Television Garage, commuters complain that short intra-city trips now cost almost double what they paid earlier in the year. As a result, many residents say travelling home for Christmas is no longer guaranteed.
“I normally travel to my village every Christmas,” said a trader at Sabon Tasha. “But the transport fare alone can buy food for my family for several days. This year, we may just stay in Kaduna.”
The economic strain has also weakened purchasing power across the city.
Gabriel Audu, a small-scale businessman, believes government intervention is necessary to ease the burden on citizens.
“Government needs to step in and put pressure on marketers to reduce the cost of goods,” he said.
“Prices are too high, and people are suffering. Festive seasons should bring relief, not more hardship.”
Despite the challenges, signs of the Christmas spirit remain visible. Churches around Barnawa, Ungwan Rimi and Malali are preparing for carol services, while modest decorations appear in some neighbourhoods. For many families, celebration this year is about gratitude rather than abundance.
“Christmas is not only about plenty food,” said a mother shopping at Kasuwan Bacci. “We thank God for life. Even if we cook small, we will still celebrate.”
As Christmas Day approaches, Kaduna reflects a season shaped by restraint and resilience. While the hard economy has dimmed the festivities, it has also reminded residents of the enduring spirit of hope that defines the Yuletide—one that persists even in the toughest of times.
