The Laundrymen of Bodija Market

In 2023, Nigeria elected a new president who came with sweeping economic reforms. Unfortunately, most of these reforms have proven to be anti-masses and many have further impoverished the mass of Nigerians who were already bedevilled with a lot of economic and political plights.

As a result of these policies, Nigeria has been plunged into one of its worst economic crises since independence. By July 2024, barely a year into the new administration, inflation had risen to 34%, the highest inflation rate that the country has experienced in 28 years. Food inflation was at 37.7%, and the price of petrol had quadrupled within two years.

As it stands, the cost of basic necessities continues to creep out of the reach of many, and Nigerians are starting to look at ways to cut costs. Many are beginning to opt out of outsourcing specific services, opting instead to do it themselves. With laundry not ranking high on the least of essential services that many need to outsource, this project explores the current living conditions of some of the laundry men at Bodija market, Ibadan, South Western Nigeria, and how the current economic crisis affects them.