Economic hardship casts shadow on Eid-el-Kabir celebrations
By Ndukaku Ihe
The soaring living costs and hardship following the downturn in the nation’s economy have cast a shadow on the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which made the observation however urged Muslims across the country to embrace the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir—faith, obedience, and sacrifice, despite the biting economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Acting President of the NLC, Audu Amba, felicitated with Muslim faithful as they mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations but expressed deep concern over the skyrocketing prices of rams and essential food items, which have dampened the festive spirit for many households.
The NLC called on governments at all levels to urgently address the rising cost of living, warning that the current inflationary trend is worsening poverty and social frustration across the country.
The labour body also renewed its call on the government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide, noting that a secure environment is essential for peaceful celebrations and national cohesion.
“We would like to use the opportunity to renew our call on the government at all levels to take all the steps necessary to bring down the cost of living.
“We also call on the government to bring to an end the spate of insecurity across the country in order to, among other things, create the necessary
environment for celebration in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
“As a moment for sober reflection, we equally urge all Nigerians to not give up hope in their country because of the present challenges but muster the needed wisdom and courage to confront these challenges head-long for a greater Nigeria for all of us,” the statement added.
