The sound of drums and joyful songs echoed through a quiet village in Anambra State, as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to 85-year-old Chief Odinaka Eze. Under a large tent, guests enjoyed hot plates of jollof rice and chicken, accompanied by cold drinks. The casket—a shiny gold-plated piece—was a sign of the family’s wealth.

December in Nigeria is not just a time for Christmas festivities; it’s also peak burial season. Families often wait for the end of the year, when relatives living abroad return home, to hold elaborate ceremonies for their departed loved ones. But this year, the rising cost of food, caskets, and burial packages has made these goodbyes more expensive than ever.

The cost of saying goodbye has increased. Inflation a weakened naira, and increased demand during the holiday season have driven up prices for everything from caskets to catering services.

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“A standard burial package that cost ₦3,500,000 in 2021 now goes for over ₦15,000,000,” said Adetokunbo Ayodeji, a funeral planner in Lagos. “Families want everything—décor, professional ushers, live bands, and even fireworks. It’s not just a funeral; it’s an event.”

The caskets alone have become a status symbol. Simple wooden coffins are now overshadowed by intricate, imported designs. A gold-plated casket like Chief Eze’s can cost up to ₦1.5 million or more.

“Some families insist on caskets imported from Italy or the U.S.,” Ayodeji added. “It’s about showing their love and respect for the deceased—but also their social status.”

In Nigeria, burial ceremonies often reflect a family’s wealth or lack thereof. The wealthy spare no expense, organising multi-day events with hundreds of guests, while the less fortunate opt for smaller, private ceremonies.

“We spent over ₦18 million for my father’s burial, but it was worth it to honour him,” said Chinedu Eze, who returned from the UK for her father’s funeral. “It’s not just about mourning; it’s about celebrating a life well-lived.”

On the other hand, families with limited means are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up. Some turn to crowdfunding, while others scale down their plans, focusing on the essentials.

“People judge you based on the burial you throw,” said Emmanuel David, a trader in Enugu. “But not everyone can afford to impress.”

Beyond the casket and ceremony, food and entertainment are integral parts of Nigerian burials. Guests expect to be fed generously, and no burial is complete without live music.

“Burial season is like Christmas for us,” said Okechukwu Maryann, a caterer in Enugu. “But food prices have doubled because of inflation. A bag of rice that used to cost ₦30,000 now sells for almost ₦100,000. And don’t even get me started on cooking oil.”

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Musicians, too, are in high demand. Live bands and cultural dancers charge a premium during December. For some families, hiring a famous artist or traditional troupe is non-negotiable.

“If you want your burial to stand out, you need entertainment,” Maryann added. “It’s what people remember.”

Many Nigerians living abroad return home in December, bringing with them foreign tastes and spending power. Their involvement often drives up the scale—and cost—of burials.

“When my uncle came back from Canada, he insisted on a gold-plated casket,” said Obasi Ngozi, a trader in Anambra. “It was outrageous, but he paid for it, so we didn’t complain.”

These returning relatives often demand high standards, from imported wine to lavish decorations, setting trends that local families struggle to keep up with.

“It’s a competition now,” said Obasi. “Who had the better burial? Who served the better food? It’s exhausting.”

As costs rise, many families are finding creative ways to cope. Some borrow money, sell property, or dip into savings to fund these ceremonies. Others opt for more budget-friendly options, such as cremations or simple graveside services.

Communal contributions are another solution. Extended family members and friends pool resources to cover expenses, lightening the burden on the immediate family.

“I couldn’t have managed my mother’s burial without my cousins’ support, i even created a whatsgroup for friends and family,” said Obasi. “It’s a collective responsibility.”