When Survival Becomes A Daily Battle: Nigeria As A Case Study
By Success Edenamuiki
Before the first rays of sunlight stretch across the busy streets of Nigeria, many people are already awake—not to pursue dreams or personal ambitions, but to fight for survival.
The reality of economic hardship in Nigeria has become a daily struggle for millions of citizens. The prices of goods and services continue to rise, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary people.
Many Nigerians are burdened by debt and find it hard to meet their basic needs. For some, even transportation to work or a job interview has become a challenge due to the high cost of living.
What was once considered a normal life has gradually turned into a constant battle. Every day, countless families worry about how to put food on the table, pay rent, and keep up with other daily responsibilities. Parents are increasingly anxious about how to provide quality education for their children while also meeting other pressing needs.
The hardship is being felt in nearly every home, painting a troubling picture of life in the country. As inflation rises and purchasing power declines, many Nigerians are left wondering not only how they will survive the next day but also how they can secure a better future for their families.
The healthcare sector has not been spared from the impact of this economic reality. Many citizens can no longer afford adequate medical care for themselves and their children due to financial constraints. In some cases, patients are denied timely treatment or forced to endure prolonged pain simply because they cannot pay medical bills.
“As a student in Nigeria, survival has become a daily struggle. With only my mother trying her best to support my education, paying school fees, buying food, and meeting other academic expenses has not been easy. The high cost of living has made life more difficult for many students,” said Osian Gift.
“The cost of transporting a basket of tomatoes from Kaduna has forced us to increase prices, yet customers still complain that food is too expensive. Even ₦5,000 can hardly prepare a decent pot of soup. Life is becoming overwhelming,” said a tomato seller in Abraka.
“My pikin, as a bike man wey get six children, life no easy at all. Fuel don cost well, well, and everything for Nigeria don cost. If I carry a student for Abraka and collect ₦500, the money no dey enough because fuel price high. If I give my wife ₦5,000 to make her cook soup, e no go even reach. As a man, I still get responsibility to pay school fees and take care of my family. I beg the government to come to our rescue because things are hard for Nigerians,” a commercial motorcyclist in Abraka said.
Poverty remains one of the major reasons survival has become increasingly difficult. Many people work long hours yet earn wages that are insufficient to provide food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education for their families. Parents are often forced to make painful choices between paying school fees and settling medical bills.
Despite these hardships, many Nigerians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. They take on multiple jobs, support one another through community efforts, and hold on to hope for a brighter future. Their determination reflects the strength of the human spirit even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
When survival becomes a daily battle, it affects not only individuals but society as a whole. Governments, organisations, and citizens must work together to create opportunities, reduce inequality, strengthen social support systems, and improve access to essential services. Every Nigerian deserves more than a life of constant struggle; everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope.
As the nation grapples with these realities, one question remains: How long can people continue fighting merely to survive when they should be striving to truly live?
Success Edenamuiki reporting from Delta State University Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Abraka.
