Living and Existing in Nigeria Amid Economic Hardships: Finding a Path to Thriving.

By Dada Ahmed.

In Nigeria today, the line between living and existing blurs for millions facing relentless economic challenges. Rising inflation, surging unemployment, and a weakened naira have impacted every level of society, stretching even the most resilient. Many struggle to meet basic needs, left questioning: are they truly living, or merely existing?

This is more than an economic question; it touches on the heart of finding meaning, purpose, and joy in life, even when circumstances make it a tall order. Solutions lie not only in economic recovery but in empowering Nigerians to face these hardships with resilience, resourcefulness, and community strength.

To understand life amid economic hardship in Nigeria, one must consider the escalating cost of living. Prices of essential goods—staples like rice, garri, and cooking oil—have soared in recent years. Housing and transportation costs have also spiked, squeezing the budgets of families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

This constant fight for stability creates a survival mindset, where each day’s focus is simply on getting through. Many are caught in a cycle where dreams are put on hold, and aspirations for a fuller life are eclipsed by immediate needs. Yet beneath this challenging reality, countless Nigerians demonstrate a will to thrive, taking on multiple jobs, building small businesses, and exploring alternative income streams.

Nigeria’s culture of resilience, rooted in community strength, is one of its most valuable assets. During tough times, community networks—extended families, friends, and neighbors—become lifelines. These networks offer not only emotional support but often provide resources, food, or shelter, attempting to make life worth living.

The government can leverage this culture of collective resilience to empower Nigerians creatively. For instance, community-led cooperatives could help individuals pool resources, start small businesses, buy supplies in bulk, and save collectively. Cooperatives have a history of success in Nigeria, especially among farmers, artisans, and traders, who benefit from the strength in numbers to negotiate better prices and access larger markets.

Better still,community centers, religious groups, and NGOs can play a significant role beyond their statutory responsibilities by providing education and skills training, ensuring that even those with limited formal education have access to practical skills for economic independence.

When communities work together, they create an environment that lifts everyone’s potential, transforming the struggle to simply “exist” into an opportunity to truly “live.”

In a country with limited formal job opportunities, such as in Nigeria,entrepreneurship offers a powerful way for the people to build This can be inform of digital platforms and informal economies that allow young Nigerians to earn a living without turning to crime. E-commerce, social media businesses, and freelancing platforms have opened doors to global markets.

Micro-businesses and side hustles have become the norm, with people selling goods, providing services, and offering expertise across a wide range of sectors. Platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are widely used to advertise everything from homemade products to specialized services.

It is worth noting that living and existing often differ in mindset, actions, and experiences. Despite the hardships, living—according to language experts—brings color, depth, and meaning to each moment, while existing can feel flat, as if one is merely watching life pass by.

Without mincing words,transforming from merely existing to fully living, especially in Nigeria’s economic climate, often involves small yet intentional shifts, like reconnecting with passions and pursuing them with sincerity and determination.

The concept of living versus existing, therefore ,provides Nigerians with opportunities to find lasting solutions to the harsh economic realities they face.

Through resilience, community support, and innovative policies, Nigeria can move forward, creating a future where people do not merely survive but genuinely thrive.
Ahme publishes The Reporters.