"Sachet country!" - Nigerians lament spiking poverty rate and low buying power

Nigerians on social media have lamented the increasing poverty rate and low buying power of citizens that is resulting in most brands unveiling handy and cheaper versions of their products

“Sachet economy is not innovation. We are poor,” a Twitter user with the username, @MsTariah tweeted on Monday 17th November 2020. This sentiment mirrored that of many others.

In case you are wondering, there is almost a sachet version for every product in Nigeria. Popular Twitter influencer, @DrOlufunmilayo exclaimed:

Sachet Dettol.
Sachet Baileys.
Sachet Liquid Soap.
Sachet Liquid Milk.

Sachet water.
Sachet butter.

A sachet economy that companies have to provide small sachet products because majority of people are now too poor to afford standard-size items.

A sachet country. God help us. pic.twitter.com/MMhH4AORJY

— #OurFavOnlineDoc ?????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) November 16, 2020

Also read: Nigeria Is Not An Oil Economy, Nigerians Need To Pay Taxes- Kemi Adeosun.

Why is this happening? The answer is obvious, “Almost everything is in sachet because 80% of the country’s population cannot afford regular family size products. I’m afraid this country might never get better,” @Sxmto tweeted. A comment under this tweet even argues that the percentage is higher than 80%.

The discourse was ignited by a user posted a picture of the luxury alcoholic beverage, Baileys, in a satchet. It certainly appears to be a conversation worth having. Chipping in, another Twitter user, @_SirWilliam wrote:

“Nigerian purchasing power is in the gutter, the middle class doesn’t exist at this rate. Not all companies will agree to that sachet nonsense, many will leave ( have left). Seeing sachet products all your life is a sign of institutional abuse, and we can’t remain docile.”

It wasn’t all gloom on the topic however, as some users attempted to make lighthearted jokes of the situation. For example, sooner tweets:

GOTV is just sachet DSTV

— Eghe says #EndSARS ? ? (@egheCodes) November 16, 2020

What if short people are sachet humans?

— Dorian Gray (@TheAloaye) November 16, 2020