Lonely Christmas for many young Nigerians as financial crisis bites

Soaring prices and worsening insecurity on the roads is spoiling a cherished tradition of family reunions during the holidays

Emmanuel Ejeh has a barbershop set in a park in Maitama, an affluent area of Nigeria's capital city, Abuja. The last time he travelled to his home town in Benue state more than 200 miles away to see his elderly mother was eight years ago.

Since then, things have continually gotten worse and worse," he says of his business and personal finances. Instead of spending so much money on transportation to Benue and back to Abuja, it is better to send part of that money to my mother instead. It does not make up for seeing her, but what other option do I have?"