Business

Meta releases new AI model Llama 4

Meta has announced the release of the first two...

YouTube updates Shorts view calculation

The introduction of analytics tools by YouTube Shorts has...

CBN denies introducing ₦5,000, ₦10,000 banknotes

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked reports...

Fuel subsidy removal necessary, Nigerians should adjust spending — NIPPS Director-General

The Director-General of National Institute for Policy and Strategic...

LASBCA begins demolition of illegal structures as amnesty period ends

Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the...

Education

How to use correlative conjunctions without confusing your verb

Many English learners make mistakes when using correlative conjunctions...

The untold story of Saint John Bozoma: The marketing genius with an unmatched CV

Last week, Instagram sang the praises of this woman...

Toilet or restroom? Here’s why toilets have different names everywhere

Have you ever noticed that toilets aren’t always called...

How to differentiate phrases from clauses (Beyond finite verbs)

Many English learners struggle to tell the difference between...

NYSC’s N77,000 allowance: A reality check for corps members

The long-awaited increase in the NYSC allowance has finally...

Entertainment

MOVIE REVIEW: Netflix’s The Life List and four true love test questions

I probably stumbled upon The Life List on Netflix...

Popular veteran Bollywood star, Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Manoj Kumar, a legendary Bollywood actor and director, has...

Portable calls Zlatan Ibile an “up-and-coming artist”

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has described his colleague Zlatan...

Featured

Trump’s Tariffs: A new economic challenge for Nigeria

In a move that has sent shockwaves through global...

Viral sweeper: The problem with Adetoun’s activism, outrage culture

I first came across the viral video posted by...

NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this...

Ronaldo de Lima: The rise, fall, and triumph of one of football’s finest players ever

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima’s path to greatness was...

NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this...

Metro

15 persons injured in Lagos gas explosion as leaking cylinder sparks fire

At least 15 people have sustained burn injuries after...

Former Oyo governor, Olunloyo is dead

The former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu...

British comedian Russell Brand charged with rape, assault in UK

British actor and comedian Russell Brand has been formally...

LNSC apprehends two thieves in Lagos

While residents marked the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, operatives of the...

Chess master Tunde Onakoya grants scholarship to daughter of viral sweeper

Renowned chess master and philanthropist Tunde Onakoya has stepped...

Technology

Meta releases new AI model Llama 4

Meta has announced the release of the first two...

YouTube updates Shorts view calculation

The introduction of analytics tools by YouTube Shorts has...

YouTube tests removing notifications alerts for inactive subscribers

YouTube is conducting tests to remove notification alerts from...

Studies suggest ChatGPT usage may increase loneliness, emotional dependence

Multiple studies conducted by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab...

Google unveils Gemini 2.5, an AI for advanced reasoning

The AI development at Google operates at full speed,...

Politics

Trump’s Tariffs: A new economic challenge for Nigeria

In a move that has sent shockwaves through global...

Attempt to appeal tribunal judgement will fail, Okpebholo tells Ighodalo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Friday expressed strong...

China hits back with new tariffs on US goods

China has announced new tariffs on all goods coming...

UK: Mother who killed newborn baby spared jail

Joanne Sharkey, 55, who killed her newborn baby in...

ICYMI: Details of Trump’s new tariffs affecting over 60 countries including Nigeria

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a comprehensive tariff...

Health & Lifestyle

Breaking down sickle cell disease: Symptoms, triggers, and treatments

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic...

Game of Suits: Style your suit look using this celebs inspo

Suits never go out of style. They're one clothing...

From diet to exercise: Home treatments to relieve arthritis pain, stiffness

Arthritis is a general term that describes a family...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces launch of Algiers-Abuja direct flight service

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch...

7 brain exercises to improve and boost your memory

Everyone experiences mental fog occasionally. Stress, aging, lack of...

Sports

RELEGATED! No miracles as Southampton bade Premier League goodbye once again

The writing had long been on the wall for...

Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen edges McLaren duo for first win of the season

Max Verstappen returned to winning ways at the Japanese...

PSG claim their 13th Ligue 1 title with six games remaining

Paris Saint-Germain have clinched the 2024/25 Ligue 1 crown...

Boston Celtics sets all-time NBA 3-point record

The Boston Celtics made it rain on Friday night...

NBA fine Ja Morant $75K for on-court gestures

Ja Morant’s expressive celebrations have come at a steep...

Company

Business

Meta releases new AI model Llama 4

Meta has announced the release of the first two...

YouTube updates Shorts view calculation

The introduction of analytics tools by YouTube Shorts has...

CBN denies introducing ₦5,000, ₦10,000 banknotes

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked reports...

Fuel subsidy removal necessary, Nigerians should adjust spending — NIPPS Director-General

The Director-General of National Institute for Policy and Strategic...

LASBCA begins demolition of illegal structures as amnesty period ends

Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the...

Education

How to use correlative conjunctions without confusing your verb

Many English learners make mistakes when using correlative conjunctions...

The untold story of Saint John Bozoma: The marketing genius with an unmatched CV

Last week, Instagram sang the praises of this woman...

Toilet or restroom? Here’s why toilets have different names everywhere

Have you ever noticed that toilets aren’t always called...

How to differentiate phrases from clauses (Beyond finite verbs)

Many English learners struggle to tell the difference between...

NYSC’s N77,000 allowance: A reality check for corps members

The long-awaited increase in the NYSC allowance has finally...

Entertainment

MOVIE REVIEW: Netflix’s The Life List and four true love test questions

I probably stumbled upon The Life List on Netflix...

Popular veteran Bollywood star, Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Manoj Kumar, a legendary Bollywood actor and director, has...

Portable calls Zlatan Ibile an “up-and-coming artist”

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has described his colleague Zlatan...

Featured

Trump’s Tariffs: A new economic challenge for Nigeria

In a move that has sent shockwaves through global...

Viral sweeper: The problem with Adetoun’s activism, outrage culture

I first came across the viral video posted by...

NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this...

Ronaldo de Lima: The rise, fall, and triumph of one of football’s finest players ever

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima’s path to greatness was...

NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this...

Metro

15 persons injured in Lagos gas explosion as leaking cylinder sparks fire

At least 15 people have sustained burn injuries after...

Former Oyo governor, Olunloyo is dead

The former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu...

British comedian Russell Brand charged with rape, assault in UK

British actor and comedian Russell Brand has been formally...

LNSC apprehends two thieves in Lagos

While residents marked the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, operatives of the...

Chess master Tunde Onakoya grants scholarship to daughter of viral sweeper

Renowned chess master and philanthropist Tunde Onakoya has stepped...

Technology

Meta releases new AI model Llama 4

Meta has announced the release of the first two...

YouTube updates Shorts view calculation

The introduction of analytics tools by YouTube Shorts has...

YouTube tests removing notifications alerts for inactive subscribers

YouTube is conducting tests to remove notification alerts from...

Studies suggest ChatGPT usage may increase loneliness, emotional dependence

Multiple studies conducted by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab...

Google unveils Gemini 2.5, an AI for advanced reasoning

The AI development at Google operates at full speed,...

Politics

Trump’s Tariffs: A new economic challenge for Nigeria

In a move that has sent shockwaves through global...

Attempt to appeal tribunal judgement will fail, Okpebholo tells Ighodalo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Friday expressed strong...

China hits back with new tariffs on US goods

China has announced new tariffs on all goods coming...

UK: Mother who killed newborn baby spared jail

Joanne Sharkey, 55, who killed her newborn baby in...

ICYMI: Details of Trump’s new tariffs affecting over 60 countries including Nigeria

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a comprehensive tariff...

Health & Lifestyle

Breaking down sickle cell disease: Symptoms, triggers, and treatments

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic...

Game of Suits: Style your suit look using this celebs inspo

Suits never go out of style. They're one clothing...

From diet to exercise: Home treatments to relieve arthritis pain, stiffness

Arthritis is a general term that describes a family...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces launch of Algiers-Abuja direct flight service

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch...

7 brain exercises to improve and boost your memory

Everyone experiences mental fog occasionally. Stress, aging, lack of...

Sports

RELEGATED! No miracles as Southampton bade Premier League goodbye once again

The writing had long been on the wall for...

Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen edges McLaren duo for first win of the season

Max Verstappen returned to winning ways at the Japanese...

PSG claim their 13th Ligue 1 title with six games remaining

Paris Saint-Germain have clinched the 2024/25 Ligue 1 crown...

Boston Celtics sets all-time NBA 3-point record

The Boston Celtics made it rain on Friday night...

NBA fine Ja Morant $75K for on-court gestures

Ja Morant’s expressive celebrations have come at a steep...

Company

Subscribe to newsletter

News Round The Clock

Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Monday, April 7, 2025
spot_img

More News

spot_img

Related Posts

Why the cost of living in Ikom is as expensive as that in Lagos, Abuja

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

I used to think Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt were among the most expensive cities to live in Nigeria until I moved to Ikom in Cross River State. Even though Ikom is more of a town than a city, I’ve been living here for over six months now, and the cost of living has surprised me.

Ikom is a Local Government Area in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria1. The headquarters are situated in the town of Ikom, positioned in the eastern part of the area along the Cross River and the A4 highway at coordinates 5°57′40″N 8°42′39″E. Also, the town borders Nigeria and Cameroon in Southeastern Nigeria.

Covering an area of 1,961 km² (757 sq mi), Ikom had a population of 162,383 according to the 2006 census.

What is Ikom known for?

The people of Ikom are predominantly farmers and major producers of cocoa, bananas, and plantains for the Nigerian market. Ikom is also renowned for the Afi monoliths2, artifacts featuring ancient inscriptions often considered an early form of nsibidi writing.

Ikom monoliths

In this interview, I spoke with residents of Ikom to understand why the cost of living in Ikom is becoming more expensive each day.

Cost of living in Ikom caused by excess demand

Columbus said that the high cost of living in Ikom is caused by excess demand which has exceeded supply. “Too many people buying and too few people producing or rendering services,” he said.

When demand exceeds supply, the most immediate effect is usually a rise in prices. As more consumers compete for the limited supply of goods or services, sellers can charge higher prices, leading to inflationary pressure in the market.

This increase in prices is evident in both food items and transportation in Ikom. “Foodstuffs are expensive,” another said, “compared to frozen foods and transportation which are cheaper here in Lagos.”

Anyanwu agreed that transportation is a contributing factor to the high cost of living in Ikom. “The cost of Transportation contributes 50% to it. While greed has the rest,” he said.

Steve Erek also believes that the cost of living is cheaper in Lagos than in Ikom. “Life is cheaper in Lagos than in Ikom comparatively. The rent that made the difference in the past has been equated recently. Right now Ikom is the most expensive place to live in Cross River,” Erek said.

Gima Tobe told News Round The Clock that the high cost of living in Ikom is also worsened by the unreliable and epileptic power supply in the town.

ALSO READ

While Godwin described this situation as “growing inflation”, Columbus suggested that “everyone should plant and grow basic foodstuffs like pepper, vegetables, tomatoes, etc, to stop the consumption of expensive food like beer, go for sachet milk instead of tin milk, etc, eat iced fish and alternate with meat. Eat local rice instead of imported. Reduce feeding frequency to 1 0 1.”

Ikom is close to the Cameroon border and is a major producer of cocoa

Most people in Ikom believe that the situation is due to Ikom being a major producer of cocoa. Prosper Etta and Skeleceo Ojong said that this rising inflation is common in border areas and associated with the cocoa business in the town.

Condemning the situation, Mayor Agbor said, “What do expect when there are no sustainable regulations by governmental bodies in price control? Inflation is hitting back to back in excuse of cocoa prices. The task force and local government body should rise and get to work. It’s everyone in Ikom that is into cocoa.”

Ikom is the commercial city of Cross River State

A commercial city is known for its busy economy, with many businesses, banks, and trade activities. Interestingly, many people agree that Ikom is the commercial city of Cross River State. James Eku, for instance, said that Ikom has become a commercial city that has accommodated “a whole lot of people and businesses are growing there.”

When our reporter asked him the kinds of businesses, he highlighted them as follows: “Phones and accessories are thriving. Anything about fashion is trending. Hospitality is doing very well. Anything food business is doing very okay because it’s closest to producers and very cheap too. Transportation is growing, they only have difficulty is getting supplies for petrol but it’s moving. Building materials, items of furniture, etc.”

Sam Ofuka also agrees with Eku. “Ikom is a boarder town. It’s also a commercial town of the state.”

Eku opines that foods in Ikom are affordable and tasty. “I can give you all the locations I eat and it might interest you to know that Ikom has the most affordable food prices yet very tasty compared to other cities.” He also added that although the cost of living seems to be on the high side, one can always get an apartment based on one’s budget.

However, the nature of transportation is a defining characteristic of a commercial city. For example, efficient and extensive transportation networks, including roads, railways, airports, and public transit systems, are crucial for supporting the city’s economic activities, connecting it with other regions, and ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods.

In Ikom, the only means of transportation is by motorcycle, with fares starting at 300 naira for any trip within the town. Although the roads in Ikom are well-paved and in good condition, there are no public transit systems, railways, or airports.

  1. The capital of Cross River State is Calabar and the State has 18 local government areas namely; Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Bekwara, Biase, Boki, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja, Yakurr, and Yala. ↩︎
  2. The Ikom Monoliths, originally consisting of around 400-450 engraved standing stones and distributed around thirty communities in the Ikom area of Cross River State, Nigeria, are thought to be up to 1500 years old. The Ikom monoliths are a series of volcanic-stone monoliths from the area of Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Ejagham may have engraved the monoliths around 200 CE. ↩︎
Francis Ikuerowo
Francis Ikuerowo
Francis is a multimedia journalist at News Round The Clock, with many years of experience covering education, health, lifestyle, and metro. He is also a multilingual reporter — English, French, and Yoruba. He has obtained certifications in digital journalism from Reuters Institute and digital investigations techniques from AFP. You can reach him at: francis.ikuerowo@newsroundtheclock.com.

More to explore