By Kolade S. Olakiitan
The withdrawal of fuel subsidies by Nigeria’s President appears to be inflicting more harm than benefit to Nigerians. It appears that the current administration has pushed the country’s inflation rate from bad to worse, negatively impacting people’s livelihoods. With the cost of living rising without a matching rise in the standard of living, prices for products and services are also rising at an alarming rate. Goods and services that could be purchased at a specific price a few years ago can no longer be purchased with the same amount of money since the price has doubled.
One would expect that everyone adjusts to the current situation but not everyone is experiencing change in their consumption pattern. Some are still “living” comfortably well while some other persons have had no other choice but to “survive” by adjusting their consumption patterns.
This writer asked some awoites whether they are living well or adapting to the present situation of the country.
Abioye Ayomide Jennifer, Science and Technology Education 200-level
I think this question has answered itself. As humans we have three basic needs; food, clothing and shelter. For food I will say I’m living because even if things get expensive children of God must survive. So, I’m still eating comfortably at least I eat the quantity of food that’ll satisfy me. But when it comes to clothing, going out, seeing something you like, buying things impulsively that has stopped because before I take 1k, I’ll think that this thing can buy one bag of pure water, it can buy part of my next meal, and this thing can buy Milo. I still prioritize food above any other thing. That’s the best thing for everybody, prioritize your food, your health is important than buying clothes or things. So, yes I’m like surviving and living at the same time.
Divine Leonard, Law 100-level
I think the issue of fuel subsidy has affected everybody but personally it has really been hard on me. Before I would enter cabs, buses to wherever I’m going to but now I’ll rather trek because of the high cost of transport. It has also affected things we get in the market; marketers that go to farther places to get their goods now will have to increase their cost of service and goods. So, it has affected me a lot and yes! I’m surviving.
Olajide Precious Oreofe, Political Science, 100-level
Things are not easy because things are very expensive and we don’t have enough money so we’re just surviving not living our best lives.
Salami Marvellous, Biochemistry 400lvl
Honestly, the question says I’m I living or surviving? I’m living comfortably because I still have the things I used to have two to three years ago. My standard of living is still the same.
Oluotanmi Glory Jesulewami, Human Nutrition and Dietetics 200lvl
I won’t say I’m surviving; I’m actually living my normal life despite the inflation.
Oyeniran Monilola, Physiology 300 level
Well, I can say presently that I’m trying to survive not living at my best like this is not the way I really want. Let’s say this is not the way I was living two years ago or three years ago. Things have been kind of hard; you know the things we get for 1000naira now you have to pay up to 1500 or 2000 for you to be able to get it. So, I’m trying to survive.
Jaiyeola Christianah , Dental Surgery 200 level
Am I living or surviving? Honestly, I don’t know but I think this is a time in my life that I’m following one of the main thing we have to do as humans and that’s adaptation. So, I think I’ve already adapted. I don’t have any choice I just have to adapt to survive.
Leonard Delight, Agric Extension 100lvl
Speaking on surviving or living in this Nigerian economy, I’d say I’m still living actually because I don’t know how I’m managing actually. Even though things are tough they’re not as tough as you get when you want to survive like surviving.
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO HALL PRESS 
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