As the Yuletide season approaches, residents of Kaduna preparing for Christmas have lamented the high cost of food items and transportation.

Some residents said they would celebrate the day with what they could afford.

Joseph John, an entrepreneur, said he would celebrate Christmas with what he could afford, saying there was no need to stress himself because “the cost of living is skyrocketing and the means remain stunted.”

“For Christmas, if I used to use six chickens in the past, I’ll cut it to 2 or 3 to make sure I spend within my means. As far as travelling goes, I’m avoiding that by any means necessary,” he said.

Similarly, a civil servant, Lilian Silas, said the season comes with lots of excitement and expectations from family as it is characterised by shopping and giving to the less privileged.

“Almost all the things we need to celebrate have doubled up in price. A sizable chicken is from N7,000 and above, rice is N50,000 and above, and vegetable oil is N8500 for just four litres. Flour is now N1,700 per measure, sugar is N2,300, and the list goes on; and remember that salaries have not changed,” she stated.

Ms Silas added the high cost of fuel has affected transportation fares, saying that movement would be hugely restricted, especially for those who wish to travel for the festivities.

Another resident, Gbenga Oloniyo, said he had started preparing for Christmas in September and had already bought Christmas clothes and shoes for his three children.

He explained that he would travel to Sokoto, where his family resides, to celebrate Christmas as food items are cheaper there than in Kaduna.

(NAN)