Tea joints, once essential hubs for bachelors and households during emergencies, are now facing the effects of Nigeria’s economic downturn, *Daily Trust* reports.
These roadside outlets, known for serving tea, bread, noodles, and eggs, are experiencing reduced patronage and rising costs that threaten their operations.
Murtala Muhammad, a tea vendor in Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, explained how the economy has disrupted his business. “Before, things were manageable, but now we are struggling. Everything we need has become expensive,” he said.
Muhammad noted a significant drop in his purchasing power. “I used to buy one and a half mudus of sugar; now it’s just half. From three crates of eggs daily, it’s now half a crate. Even noodles, which I used to buy two cartons of daily, is down to half a carton.”
The price of a cup of tea has risen from N50 to between N150 and N200, while noodles and eggs are increasingly out of reach for many customers. “When a customer who used to eat three eggs, two noodles, and tea with milk can no longer afford even half of that, you know there is a problem,” he said.
Customers have also expressed their struggles. Anas Murtala, a regular, shared, “I used to have tea with milk, bread with butter, and noodles with eggs. Now, I can only afford tea without milk and plain bread. The last time I had noodles was five months ago.”
Ibrahim Umar, another patron, said he now eats spaghetti instead of noodles. “I reduced my meal to a single sachet of noodles and two eggs, but now I can’t even afford that. Most tea sellers now cook spaghetti with beans because it’s cheaper,” he added.
For others, the changes have been drastic. Shamsuddeen Sabiu, a tricycle driver, said, “I used to eat noodles with eggs every morning and evening, but now I only eat spaghetti occasionally. It’s tough.”
In response, tea vendors are adjusting their menus, offering cheaper alternatives like spaghetti and beans, but the rising cost of ingredients continues to challenge their businesses.
The tea business, once a steady source of income and a daily option for many Nigerians, now mirrors the economic challenges faced by both vendors and customers.
