The Nigerian economy has been facing a significant challenge as the value of the Naira continues to fall against the Dollar. Many Nigerians are pointing fingers at the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but it is essential to remember that the laws of demand and supply determine the value of the Naira. Instead of blaming the government, Nigerians need to take action to save their currency.
Here are twenty things Nigerians can do to help stop the free fall of the Naira:
1. Use Glo instead of MTN, Airtel, or Etisalat for your telecommunications needs.
2. Instead of buying foreign cars like Mercedes, Range Rover, or Honda, opt for Innoson vehicles – a local Nigerian brand.
3. Travel with Air Peace instead of Air France, KLM, or Lufthansa.
4. Bank with First Bank, UBA, GTBank, or Zenith instead of Stanbic.
5. Watch local television stations like AriseTV, Channels, and NTA instead of subscribing to Multichoice DSTV.
6. Buy Nigerian-made cement from Dangote and Ibeto, and avoid Chinese brands.
7. Support Nigerian football clubs like Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, and 3SC instead of international teams like Manchester United or Barcelona.
8. Stream and buy music from Nigerian artists rather than downloading foreign artistes’ songs.
9. Purchase and wear Nigerian fashion brands like DAKOVA, Mai Atafo, Mudi Africa, and JADZ Couture instead of international luxury brands like Armani, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton.
10. Instead of expensive imported drinks like champagne, Hennessy, Scotch Whiskey, and Irish Cream, choose palm wine – a local drink.
11. Buy groceries from local market women instead of shopping at international supermarkets like Shoprite.
12. Opt for locally-produced rice over imported rice from Thailand.
13. Consider consuming cassava bread made from locally-grown cassava instead of bread made with foreign-grown wheat.
14. Purchase Nigerian-made PC, laptops, and tablets from Zinox.
15. Choose traditional Nigerian breakfast options like akamu, pap, and ogi over imported cereals like Birdseye custard, Quaker oats, and Kellogg’s cereals.
16. Instead of fast food chains like KFC, support local Nigerian fast-food restaurants like Mr Bigg’s, Tantalizers, and ‘Mama Put’.
17. Embrace local textiles like Kaduna textiles, aso oke, and Akwete cloth instead of imported Holland Wax and George fabrics.
18. Support the Nigerian film industry by watching Nollywood and Kannywood movies instead of Hollywood or Bollywood films.
19. Explore local tourist destinations like Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Games Reserve, Ikogosi Warm Springs, and attend events like the Argungu Fishing Festival for holidays and honeymoons.
20. Avoid imported frozen fish, meat, and dairy products and opt for locally-sourced fresh produce.
It is crucial to understand that no one else will save Nigeria but Nigerians themselves. By supporting local brands and products, Nigerians can help improve the country’s foreign reserves, trade balances, and debt to GDP ratio. The quality of local products will also improve with continued patronage. By buying Nigerian, not only will the Naira rise, but personal happiness and the international reputation of the Nigerian passport will also improve.
It’s time for Nigerians to take action and save the Naira!
