By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s economy is in a tight spot these days, and it’s hitting everyone hard. Inflation has pushed the prices of food, clothes, and even transport through the roof, while fuel costs keep climbing after recent shortages. But across the country, from the noisy markets of Lagos to the office blocks of Abuja, Nigerian women are proving they’ve got what it takes to push through. A new report released this week by the Women’s Economic Network shines a light on how they’re adapting—and it’s inspiring stuff.
Take the small-scale traders in Lagos, for example. Women like Mama Tolu, who sells tomatoes and peppers at Mile 12 Market, are getting creative. “Before, I could buy a bag of tomatoes for 5,000 naira,” she said. “Now it’s 12,000, and customers don’t have money to pay more. So, I started making stew in small batches to sell—it keeps me going.” She’s not alone. Many traders are adding new items like homemade snacks or soap to their stalls, turning little ideas into extra cash.
In cities like Kano, women are juggling even more. Amina, a 35-year-old mother of three, used to rely on her husband’s mechanic job. But with fuel prices up, his work slowed down. Now, she’s taken up tailoring on the side. “I borrow a sewing machine from my sister and make clothes at night,” she told us. “It’s not much, but it buys bread and pays school fees.” Her story echoes what the report found: side hustles are popping up everywhere as women find ways to fill the gaps.
Then there’s the teamwork angle. In Abuja, a group of women in Garki have formed what they call a “savings circle.” Funmi, a primary school teacher, explained how it works: “Ten of us put in 2,000 naira every week. Each month, one person takes the pot—20,000 naira. It’s helped me buy books for my kids and even fix my stove.” The report says these community networks are a lifeline, especially in rural areas where banks feel out of reach. In places like Ogun State, women are swapping farm goods like yam and cassava instead of cash, keeping their families fed when money’s scarce.
Experts say this isn’t just about getting by—it’s about women holding Nigeria together. Dr. Ngozi Okeke, who worked on the report, pointed out, “Women manage over 70% of household spending in Nigeria. When the economy shakes, they’re the ones steadying the ship.” Her numbers back up the stories: in Kano alone, women’s contributions to local markets have kept food stalls running despite a 30% drop in sales this year.
From Lagos to the north, these women aren’t waiting for things to get easier. Whether it’s a trader frying akara at dawn, a nurse selling hair oil after her shift, or a group of friends sharing the load, they’re showing resilience that’s hard to miss. As Nigeria battles these tough economic times, it’s clear: the strength of its women is a big part of what’s keeping families and the country afloat.
