By Prosper Mene
As President Bola Tinubu’s administration marks its second year, many Nigerians are voicing growing discontent, with women disproportionately impacted by worsening economic conditions. Rising inflation, soaring food prices, and widespread unemployment have left families struggling to survive, and women, often the backbone of households, are facing unprecedented challenges.
In markets across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, women traders report reduction in sales and skyrocketing costs of goods. Aisha Mohammed, a single mother and vegetable seller in Lagos, shared, “Two years ago, I could feed my children three meals a day. Now, we’re lucky to have one full meal. Everything is so expensive, and customers aren’t buying.” Her story exposes the dilemma of millions of Nigerian women who say they are hungrier and more impoverished than ever.
Economic data paints a grim picture. Inflation has surged past 33% in 2025, with food inflation hitting record highs. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, a key policy of Tinubu’s administration, has driven up transportation and commodity costs, hitting women hardest, as they often manage household budgets. Rural women, who rely on subsistence farming, face additional burdens from erratic weather patterns and limited access to agricultural support.
Women-led households, which make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s poor, are particularly vulnerable. Ngozi Okorie, a widow in Enugu, has this to say, “My small tailoring business can’t keep up with the cost of materials. I’ve had to pull my daughter out of school because I can’t afford fees.” Education cuts and rising school fees have forced many girls out of classrooms, deepening gender disparities.
Despite government initiatives like conditional cash transfers and microfinance schemes aimed at empowering women, many complain of inaccessibility and bureaucratic hurdles. “They tell us about loans, but the process is too complicated, and the money never reaches us,” said Fatima Usman, a hairdresser.
Women’s rights advocates are calling for urgent action. “The government must prioritize policies that directly address women’s economic struggles affordable childcare, accessible credit, and subsidies for essential goods,” said Dr. Amaka Nwosu, a gender policy expert. Without targeted interventions, women risk sinking deeper into poverty.
As Tinubu’s administration touts reforms aimed at long-term growth, the immediate reality for Nigerian women remains bleak. Their resilience is being tested, but many are left wondering how much longer they can endure.
