Summary of Dollar and Naira Things by Tunde Kehinde

SUMMARY OF DOLLAR AND NAIRA THINGS BY TUNDE KEHINDE

Dollar and Naira Things is a dramatic work that focused on the issue of Dollar scarcity as it relates to price hike in Nigeria. The writer of Dollar and Naira Things (Tunde Kehinde) tried to explain the reason for the scarcity of Dollar and its inherent problems. 

The story begins with Father (this is a literary device called nameless character) returning from work to announce to Mother that the price of newspapers have more than doubled. Mother on the other hand narrated to Father that the price of food items had more than doubled. From the conversation, the reason for the increase is the fact that the exchange rate between Naira and Dollar had increased! Grandfather soon joined the conversation by telling stories from the past when the Naira equals to 2 Dollars. Grandfather said in the past Nigerians used to sell to 'Oyinbo', but now we buy from 'Oyinbo' instead! 

After Grandfather narration, Father and Mother decided to start manufacturing paper here in Nigeria instead of importing them from Oyinbo. He called his uncle named Olowo who promised to help him secure Dollars from the bank to purchase the necessary machinery and raw materials needed for the venture. The next day, the duo ( Father and Uncle Olowo) met at Kammy Bank to met the manager. Father was optimistic about the new business plan, but the manager was not impressed. Manager (Mr. Barry) told Father to instead get the Dollars at official rate of N345 and then sell at N500 at the black market. It was illegal and a fraud and Father knew that. Father refused to be involved in such wicked act but his Uncle was very much interested in the business. 

People who needed Dollars for genuine businesses are not getting it from the bank but individuals with fraudulent motives like Mr. Barry get the Dollars without problems. After trying without getting Dollars, Complainant decided to report the case to the Inspector of Police, who took up the case to find out the truth. Father returned home and narrated his ordeal to Grandfather who was happy to hear that his son refused to be part of the fraudulent business. Grandfather went on to say that Uncle Olowo, his brother, was facing a hard time financially which might be the reason for his behavior. He promised to talk to Olowo. 

The business went ahead and Uncle Olowo was directed to where he can receive the said money, only to get there and realized that it was a frame up. Inspector arrested Olowo but promised to release him, if he cooperates with the police. Soon Mr. Barry was caught and Uncle Olowo was released. 

Everyone gathered for Grandfather's eightieth birthday party. Uncle Olowo and Professor Shehu (Father's childhood friend who is now a professor) was also present. The matter was tabled at the event and Professor Shehu enlightened the children on the reasons behind the Dollar hike. According to Professor Shehu, the reasons are:

1. Nigerians no longer produce what they eat but would rather import them. This can place too much pressure on the naira which will in turn lead to the fall of the naira and the rise of the dollar. He said if Nigerian can produce what she eats then the Naira will be strengthen. Due to the fact that more people want the Dollar, the price will go up because demand is greater than supply, which only means price hike! 

2. Due to the fact that oil price has fallen. Prof said Nigeria's major export was crude oil and a fall in the price means a fall in how much Dollars we can get from oil. Less crude oil price equals less dollars and less dollars equals higher dollar price.

3. Another reason is due to the Nigerian government printing too much naira note. He emphasized that printing more naira notes will affect the price of the naira negatively. 

The author through the drama also showed us one other reason which is: sabotage by Nigerians in high position (Mr. Barry the bank manager for instance). The solution to the problem was said by Grandfather who said, 'we should try as much as possible to sell to oyinbo instead of buying from oyinbo.'

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