Why Is Food So Expensive in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, food prices are skyrocketing. For many, food has become a luxury rather than a basic necessity. Here’s what’s causing Nigeria’s food inflation and what we can do about it.

Written by Scholastica Akaeze

Oct 6, 2024

Photo illustration by Dami Mojid / THE REPUBLIC.

Sometime in June 2024, I visited my local market in Abuja armed with a shopping list, a bag, and a modest budget, hoping to secure all my essentials. As expected, the market was lively, with vendors touting their wares as the best deals, although many were hesitant to, citing rising operational costs. The yam seller blamed soaring transportation fares, while the meat vendors pointed to the fluctuating naira-dollar exchange rate as the root of their challenges.

I managed to purchase most of my items at arguably reasonable prices until I reached the tomato stand. There, a familiar vendor handed me a small portion of tomatoes for ₦1,500, casually dismissing my attempts at bargaining. Instead, they suggested I survey the market, or even the country, to understand the current pricing landscape for tomatoes.

For several months, the dramatic surge in tomato prices left many Nigerians worried, especially considering tomatoes’ essential role in popular dishes like jollof rice and stew. As a result, many experimented with substitutes, such as watermelon, cucumber, and carrot. Social media platforms were abuzz with creative home cooks sharing their culinary innovations, a testament to the adaptability of the average Nigerian household.

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About the Author

Scholastica Akaeze

is a lawyer and writer with a passion for private sector development and sustainable growth in Africa.

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Why Is Food So Expensive in Nigeria?