In today’s Nigeria, the cost of living continues to surge—especially for everyday essentials. One recent and pressing example is the rising cost of children’s school bags, now reportedly hitting as high as ₦35,000 for a standard quality backpack.
Once priced below ₦5,000, imported school bags have become a luxury many parents can no longer afford. This rise in cost, paired with increased school fees and general economic strain, is pushing families to explore more affordable alternatives.
As a result, locally made backpacks have become the go-to option for many parents. These Nigerian-made school bags may lack the flashy designs of foreign brands, but they offer functionality, affordability, and increasing popularity among cost-conscious families.
✂️ Parents Get Creative
Mrs. Florence Jegede, a fashion designer and mother, shared her experience:
“I was shocked when I was told a new school bag costs ₦35,000. I ended up buying a handmade bag for ₦10,000, which works perfectly for my son.”
Like Florence, other parents are choosing to sew school bags or patronize local artisans selling handmade options at more reasonable prices.
💬 Voices from the Market
Mr. Moses Agba, a father of two and footwear seller, spends over ₦150,000 per term—excluding school fees—on supplies alone.
“Recently, we switched to Nigerian-made bags and the savings were impressive. We need to support made-in-Nigeria products.”
Civil servant Mrs. Loveth Oworu agreed, saying:
“One imported bag costs the same as three Nigerian-made bags. The quality of imported ones is dropping anyway because importers are cutting corners to meet market demand.”
📦 The Root of the Price Hike
Stephen Obiora, a school bag vendor, cited import costs, logistics, electricity bills, and foreign exchange rates as key drivers of the price hike.
“A bag that once cost ₦2,000 now sells for ₦25,000. Even fairly used bags are overpriced at ₦10,000.”
🧵 Final Thoughts
As Nigeria’s economic conditions tighten, parents are left with fewer choices. Many are now making a smart pivot toward durable, affordable, and proudly Nigerian-made school bags. This shift not only reduces school expenses but also strengthens local craftsmanship and the economy.
