In Nigeria, at the moment and for many people, the times are hard, harsh and hellish. At such times, when life is economically tough for Nigerians, you would expect many people to minimise their expenses and cut down on their costly lifestyles. This, you would think, would include less drinking and having a good time at joints.
But the bad times have not stopped Lagosians from having fun. From bars and fun spots, revellers seem to send out a common message through their carefree way of eating and drinking: shame on poverty and economic hardship.
But according to Deji Arowonle, a Lagos State employee, it is all make-belief. First, he spoke about why many fun-seekers prefer spending time with friends in such places to having the same time with their families at home. He said: “Most homes don’t have peace again because husbands do not measure up to the expectation of the house. This is because there is no money in town. The economy is bad.” Then he confessed that the fact that people hang out at such places is not a good sign either that the economy is better with such people. “You might see most of the bars filled to the brim. But ask the accountant or bartender what they sold. You would be surprised that most of those people you see drinking beer and laughing over some bottles are either sharing a bottle of hard drink or are with one bottle of beer each. They would make noise and have the loudest conversation. Times are hard but man must drink.”
Bartenders’ experiences
Adeola Akinola, a bartender at Pardel Lounge, Egbeda, shares similar views. According to the lady, the harsh economic situation does not affect only the clients and their families, it also affects the service providers. She explained: “Our customers no longer give tips.” The lady, who said she has been doing the job for over ten years, added that most people who come to the bar spend more time brooding over their situation than drinking. “The only exception is when they come in groups. When they come in groups and they are of the same sex, you would see how they mind the rate at which they spend money. They would rather go for a drink of lesser price and much volume. When they plan to drink more, you see them ordering the same thing or vodka. The volume of consumed drinks has reduced. But the number of customers has increased. I hope you get it?
