The festive season has come and gone, and it was all fun and enjoyment. But now, the reality of “January wahala” has set in. Many Nigerians who traveled for Christmas and New Year celebrations are returning to their base with wallets looking lean and bills waiting for them. January is known for being a long, tough month, but with the right approach, you can scale through without too much stress.
Here are practical tips to help you survive this “dry” January in true Nigerian fashion:
1. Cut Your Coat According to Your Cloth
It’s not the time to live a champagne life on a sachet water budget. Be realistic about your finances and adjust your spending accordingly.
- Tip: Prioritize essentials like food, rent, transport, and school fees if your kids are resuming. Luxuries can wait until better times.
2. Go Local with Your Food
January is not the time for fancy meals. Stick to Nigerian staples that are filling and affordable.
- Affordable Staples: Garri, beans, yam, eba, and okro soup. A pot of soup can stretch for days if you manage it well.
- Pro Tip: Buy foodstuffs in bulk from local markets where they are cheaper, especially items like rice, vegetables, and palm oil.
3. Manage Transport Costs
If you drive, consider reducing fuel consumption by limiting unnecessary trips. For those using public transport, plan your movements to avoid multiple trips in a day.
- Alternative: Carpool with colleagues or neighbours to share costs.
4. Focus on Paying Debts
If you borrowed money during December’s “Detty December” activities, now is the time to start paying back. Don’t avoid calls from those you owe; instead, explain your situation and negotiate manageable payment terms.
5. Hustle to Make Extra Money
Nigerians are known for their hustle spirit, and January is a good time to activate it.
- Ideas for Side Hustles:
- Sell unused items at home, like clothes or gadgets, on Jiji or Facebook Marketplace.
- Offer services like hair braiding, tailoring, or tutoring.
- Explore freelance gigs such as writing, graphic design, or even delivery services.
6. Be Wary of “January Tension”
The pressure to impress or maintain a certain lifestyle is real, but resist it. Social media will make it look like everyone is balling, but don’t be deceived. Many are just managing like you.
- Advice: Focus on your lane and avoid unnecessary competition.
7. Share Costs with Family and Friends
Pooling resources is a typical Nigerian way to survive tough times. Split the cost of food items or transport with housemates, friends, or family members.
8. Avoid Unnecessary Outings
This isn’t the time for flexing at clubs or attending “asoebi” events that will drain your pocket. Politely decline and focus on saving your money.
9. Plan for February
Even though January feels endless, it will pass. Start planning how to stabilize your finances for the rest of the year. Create a savings plan and stick to it, no matter how small.
10. Pray and Stay Positive
In Nigeria, we say, “Man proposes, but God disposes.” Back your efforts with prayers and faith. Believe that better days are coming, and keep pushing.
Final Words
January may be tough, but it’s not the end of the world. Many Nigerians have mastered the art of stretching limited resources and hustling through tough times. With discipline, a clear focus on priorities, and the typical Nigerian resilience, you can make it through this month and come out stronger.
Stay strong—February is just around the corner!
