Zainab Akintoye
In many Nigerian households, the daily question is no longer “What should we eat?” but “What can we afford to eat?” As food prices continue to climb, many families are struggling to maintain a balanced diet. Staple foods such as rice, beans, and protein sources have become more expensive, forcing people to make tough choices about what to eat.
With people now focusing more on cost than nutrition, there are growing concerns about the long-term health effects of poor eating habits. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation in Nigeria reached 39.84% in December 2024. This means food prices are nearly 40% higher than they were the previous year. The prices of basic foods like rice, beans, maize, and protein sources such as meat, fish, and eggs have increased sharply. This is due to factors like the removal of fuel subsidies, the falling value of the naira, high transportation costs, insecurity affecting farms, and poor harvests caused by climate change.
The impact of rising food costs is evident in the country’s malnutrition statistics. As of June 2024, approximately 11 million children under five years old in Nigeria were experiencing severe food poverty, making them up to 50% more likely to suffer from wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition. Additionally, over 5.4 million children aged 0-59 months in the northwest and northeast regions are suffering from acute malnutrition, including about 1.8 million cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 3.6 million cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
The situation is further exacerbated by widespread food insecurity. In November 2024, reports indicated that approximately 25 million Nigerians were facing acute food insecurity, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 33 million by mid-2025. This crisis has been intensified by economic challenges, including the devaluation of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to high inflation and soaring food prices.
In cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, middle-class families are changing how they spend money by choosing cheaper food options to manage their diets. However, the situation is much worse for low-income earners, especially in rural areas. Many people have to reduce their meal portions, skip meals, or eat less nutritious food just to survive.
The problem has gotten worse because of several reasons, including the falling value of the naira, high transportation costs, insecurity affecting farming, and climate change, which has led to poor harvests.
One major reason for the rise in food prices is the increasing cost of farming. Farmers across Nigeria are struggling to afford fertilizers, seeds, and other farming supplies, which makes food more expensive. Also, higher fuel prices for irrigation and transportation have made it costlier to move food from farms to markets.
Adewale Seriki, a farmer in Osogbo who has been in the business for over 20 years, explained how rising costs have affected his work. “Before, I could buy a bag of fertilizer for ₦8,000, but now it costs over ₦30,000. The high price of fuel has also made irrigation and transportation difficult,” he said.
Seriki also noted that the cost of other essential inputs, such as seeds and pesticides, has skyrocketed. “A 50kg bag of maize seeds that I used to buy for ₦15,000 is now almost ₦30,000. If I can’t afford these things, how will I produce food?” he asked.
Adewale Seriki, a seasoned farmer in Osogbo shares how rising costs are impacting agriculture
Beyond economic challenges, insecurity has further disrupted food production. Some farmers in Osogbo and its surrounding areas have abandoned their fields due to theft and land disputes. According to him “Many farmers in my area are struggling with theft. Sometimes, after harvesting, thieves come at night and steal our produce. This discourages people from farming.”
He added that land disputes have also become a major problem. “Some people sell farmland to multiple buyers, leading to conflicts. Others try to claim land that doesn’t belong to them, and when these disputes get out of control, farmers stop working on those lands.”
The impact of insecurity is not limited to Osogbo. Across Nigeria, farmers face worsening threats. Many parts of northern Nigeria, which are important for agriculture, have been troubled by bandit attacks, kidnappings, and clashes between farmers and herders. Because of this, many farmers have left their farms, leading to less food being produced and higher prices in markets.
Climate change has also made things worse. Unpredictable weather has caused poor harvests, and in recent years, floods have destroyed farms in states like Kogi, Benue, and parts of the Niger Delta. This has left many farmers without land and crops.
Seriki recalled how unusual weather patterns have affected his own farm. “Before, we knew when the rains would start and stop, but now everything is uncertain. Sometimes there’s drought, and sometimes heavy rains wash away everything we planted.”
Farmers are also struggling with prolonged dry spells, which reduce crop yields. “We used to rely on natural rainfall, but now we have to use irrigation more, and with the high cost of fuel, it’s becoming too expensive,” he added.
The falling value of the naira has added to the problem. Since Nigeria still imports a lot of its food, the weaker currency has made imported goods like rice, wheat, and processed foods more expensive. At the same time, transportation costs have gone up, especially after the government removed fuel subsidies. As a result, moving food from rural farms to cities now costs more, and consumers are paying higher prices.
As food prices continue to climb, Nigerians are being forced to make difficult choices about what they eat. In many households, affordability has now become more important than nutritional value, raising concerns about the long-term health effects of these compromises.
Adegoke Basirat, a 35-year-old mother of three in Ibadan, shared how the rising cost of food has changed the way she feeds her family. She used to buy a full crate of eggs every week for her children’s breakfast, but now she can only afford half.
“Before, I would buy a crate of eggs without thinking twice because my children love them for breakfast,” she said. “But now, I can only buy half a crate, and even that is becoming difficult.” Meat, which used to be a regular part of their meals, has now become a luxury. Instead of buying fish or chicken, she cooks beans more often because it is a cheaper way to get protein. “Buying fish or chicken every week is no longer possible for us,” she explained. “I cook beans more often now because it is more affordable, but my children are already complaining that they are tired of eating the same thing.” Like Basirat, many Nigerian families have had to reduce the amount of protein in their meals and eat more foods like rice, bread, and garri, which are filling but do not provide enough important nutrients.
The impact of rising food prices is being felt by consumers as well, including students. Maryam Balogun, a student of Fountain University, Osogbo, shared how the increase has affected her diet.
“Food prices have really affected me. I now eat more of what I can afford instead of what I want,” she said. She used to buy foods like chicken and chips, shawarma, and snacks, but now they are too expensive.To adjust, Maryam now chooses cheaper food options. “I have replaced expensive proteins like beef with beans, eggs, and sometimes fish. I also cook more at home instead of buying food outside because it’s cheaper,” she explained. However, eating a balanced diet has become difficult. she added.
Some students and families are looking for ways to save money, like buying food in bulk or cooking together to share costs. “I haven’t fully started bulk buying, but I’m considering it. I have also tried cooking with friends to save money,” Maryam said. However, even common foods like rice, garri, and vegetables are becoming more expensive, making it hard to plan meals on a budget, she added.
Abanikanda Oluwabukunmi, a Lagos-based 9-to-5 worker, shared how the rising cost of food has affected her diet. “The increase in food prices has made it difficult for me to afford the food I need,” she said.She explained that she can no longer afford certain food items, including proteins, Semovita, and Pando. To cope with the rising prices, she has had to adjust her meals by buying lower-quality food and opting for cheaper alternatives. “I now buy smoked panla fish instead of Titus fish and ponmo instead of meat,” she added.
However, Oluwabukunmi is concerned about the impact on her nutrition. “I feel that my current diet is not balanced or nutritious because I have not been eating enough protein lately,” she admitted. To manage costs, she has adopted bulk buying, but it has its limitations. “Buying in bulk helps, but it doesn’t allow me to get other food items because of my current income,” she explained.
Oluwabunkunmi Abanikanda, a Lagos-based 9-to-5 worker, shared how the rising cost of food has affected her diet
One major challenge she faces when trying to eat healthily on a budget is the need to cook in smaller quantities. “I have to reduce the amount of food I cook because of high prices,” she said. She believes the government and other organizations can help by regulating food prices and providing financial support to farmers. “The government should put price controls on food and give aid to farmers to make food more affordable,” she suggested.
Charity Omaga also a Lagos-based 9-to-5 worker says, “The rising cost of food has made it difficult for me to afford many of the things I used to eat, like cauliflower, mushrooms, broccoli, beetroot, bulgur rice, basmati rice, and agugu beans. To save money, I have stopped buying food from vendors and now cook at home. Instead of meat, I use eggs, bulgur rice, and basmati rice for local couscous (gwote). Fresh salads are also expensive, so I now make coleslaw and vegetable soups as alternatives.”
Despite these changes, she still prioritizes nutrition. “Even with these changes, I try to make sure my meals remain nutritious. I use my cooking skills to prepare healthy meals on a budget. Sometimes, I have to give up some foods in favor of others, depending on what my body needs,” she explains.
To address the issue, she suggests more support for agriculture. “To solve this problem, more investment in agriculture is needed to reduce production costs. People should also be educated on how to grow their own food in small spaces and choose crops that grow well in different weather conditions. This would help lower food costs and improve food security.”
Charity Omaga, a lagos based 9-to-5 worker, shares how increasing cost of food has affected her eating habits
Professor Samiat Ogunbode, a Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry, a nutrition expert highlighted the nutritional risks that come with rising food prices and offered practical solutions for maintaining a healthy diet despite economic challenges.According to Prof. Ogunbode, one of the biggest risks of switching to cheaper, less nutritious foods is malnutrition. “When people rely heavily on carbohydrates and cut down on proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it can lead to deficiencies that weaken the immune system, slow down growth in children, and increase the risk of chronic diseases,” she explained. Lack of essential nutrients like iron and vitamin A can also cause anemia and vision problems over time.
She advised that people can still eat healthily by choosing affordable alternatives. “Instead of expensive meats, people can get protein from eggs, beans, soy products, and locally sourced fish. For vitamins and minerals, leafy vegetables like ugu and ewedu are excellent options that are both affordable and nutritious,” she said. Prof. Ogunbode emphasized the importance of meal variety. “Even with a tight budget, families can mix protein sources, include vegetables in every meal, and reduce food waste. Cooking at home instead of eating out also helps save money while ensuring meals are healthier”
For those struggling with food prices, she recommended careful meal planning. “Buying food in bulk, cooking in batches, and storing meals properly can reduce waste and save money. Families can also explore collective cooking, where multiple people share the cost of ingredients and cook together,” she advised. She warned that consistently eating mostly carbohydrates with little protein and vitamins can lead to serious health issues. “Over time, this kind of diet increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and other metabolic disorders. In children, it can lead to stunted growth and poor brain development”
Prof. Ogunbode believes many Nigerians are unaware of how to make nutritious choices on a budget. “A lot of people assume that eating healthy is expensive, but with the right knowledge, they can find affordable and nutritious options. More public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people on proper nutrition,” she said.
She stressed the need for government intervention to make healthy food more accessible. “The government should support local farmers with subsidies, invest in food storage facilities to reduce spoilage, and regulate food prices to prevent artificial inflation. School feeding programs and community nutrition initiatives can also help improve access to nutritious meals,” she recommended. Without these measures, Prof. Ogunbode warned that food insecurity and health problems will continue to rise, making it even harder for Nigerians to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, the high cost of food in Nigeria is making it harder for people to eat balanced and healthy meals. As Prof. Samiat Ogunbode explained, eating mostly cheap, less nutritious foods can lead to health problems like malnutrition and long-term illnesses. However, people can still eat well by choosing affordable but healthy options, planning their meals wisely, and learning more about nutrition.
Still, individuals cannot solve this problem alone. The government needs to step in by supporting farmers, controlling food prices, and making sure more people have access to nutritious food. If nothing is done, the food crisis will continue to affect many Nigerians, making it important for everyone to work together to find a solution.
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