By Sanni Marvelous
Despite the recent drop in food prices across Nigeria, millions of households are still unable to afford three square meals a day amid weak purchasing power, high unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Over the past few months, prices of key food staples have declined in markets nationwide. For instance, a 50 kg bag of local rice that sold for between ₦90,000 and ₦105,000 in October 2024 now goes for ₦55,000 to ₦60,000 in major markets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Makurdi in Benue State, and other parts of the country.
A market survey by Datavox Media at Garki Market in Abuja confirmed similar price reductions in other staple items. However, traders reported that sales remain low as many Nigerians—particularly those earning below the minimum wage—can no longer afford to buy enough food for their families.
For 32-year-old Godswill Haruna, the economic reality is still grim. “Even though I earn twice the minimum wage, I still find it difficult to feed my family properly because of low purchasing power,” he said.
Many Nigerians believe that although food prices have dropped, the situation is far from improving. “Yes, they said prices are dropping, but things are still not better. We used to manage to buy enough food before the naira was devalued and fuel prices increased. Now, we spend more on transportation, hospital bills, and other basic needs,” said Aisha Sanni, a mother of three and petty trader.
She added, “It’s not enough for food prices to come down; the government should also improve other areas of the economy.”
According to Trading Economics, Nigeria’s food inflation rose by 21 percent in August 2025 compared to the same month last year. Between 1996 and 2025, the country’s food inflation averaged 14.13 percent, reaching a peak in June 2024, with a record low of –17.50 percent in 2000.
Further data obtained by Datavox Media from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) revealed that about 30.6 million people across 26 states and the FCT are projected to face acute food and nutrition insecurity (Crisis Phase 3 or worse) during the June–August 2025 lean season.
While this represents a slight improvement from 33.1 million people recorded last year, the FAO noted that limited access to data may have affected the accuracy of the figures.
Experts say Nigeria’s food insecurity problem requires urgent attention beyond market price corrections.
Agricultural economist Daniel Adaji advised Nigerians to embrace home gardening and smallholder farming as part of a national solution to food insecurity. “For true food security—adequate food in the right quantity, quality, and time—citizens must take part in small-scale farming. The government should also provide food and social safety nets for vulnerable citizens affected by economic reforms,” he said.
With millions of Nigerians still struggling to meet their daily food needs, citizens are watching to see whether the government’s economic and fiscal policies will translate into better living conditions in the years ahead.
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