The Planting Season – A Time of Hope and Hardship for Nigerians
Nigeria is in its planting season (typically April–June), a time of renewal, of buried seeds and budding dreams. Yet, beneath this season of hope lies a paradox that touches both the market stall and the small enterprise.
For the everyday consumer, this season ushers in more than just tilled soil. It brings scarcity. With farmers focused on sowing rather than selling, food supplies tighten and prices surge. Tomatoes, pepper, and yams, staples of the Nigerian plate, become luxuries. Households adjust, meals shrink, and wallets strain under the burden of seasonal inflation.
SMEs, particularly those intertwined with agriculture, find themselves dancing to the rhythm of the soil. Food vendors, processors, and traders battle shrinking supplies and ballooning costs. Yet, where challenges arise, so too do opportunities. Sellers of seeds, fertilizers, and farm tools witness a surge in demand, their fortunes rising with each planted row. In this edition of Unity Bank Digest’s Lifestyle section, we explore the rhythm of the planting season not just as a cycle of agriculture but as a metaphor for planning, patience, and prosperity. Just as farmers sow seeds today in anticipation of tomorrow’s harvest, we invite you to reflect on the intentional steps that lay the groundwork for financial, personal, and professional growth. “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”
Brief Relief, Looming Burden – Energy Price Rebound Casts Shadow on Nigerian Households
Nigerians recently exhaled in fleeting relief as diesel prices dipped to ₦980/litre and petrol (PMS) eased to ₦875/litre, sparking quiet celebrations among consumers and small business owners alike. But the joy may be short-lived. A sharp rebound in global oil prices from $67pb to $73.3pb has reversed the trend, pushing diesel prices back up by 7.14% to ₦1,050/litre from ₦980/litre. PMS is also expected to follow suit, threatening yet another wave of economic discomfort.
For small businesses already navigating tight margins, the resurgence in fuel prices will have a knock-on effect on logistics costs and shrink profits. For households, it means higher transport fares and increased costs of goods and services. The cycle of volatility continues, reminding us that fuel price relief often dances at the edge of illusion, gone as quickly as it came, leaving a trail of inflationary pressure in its wake.
This edition of the Unity Bank Digest provides a comprehensive analysis of these economic trends and engaging lifestyle and entertainment stories for your reading pleasure.
Enjoy!
