Eggs, noodles, garri… food items that experienced price hike under Tinubu
In December 2023, few months after president Muhammadu Buhari handover to Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released a report highlighting the alarming rise in food inflation rates in the country. The figures revealed an astounding 33.93% increase compared to the previous year, primarily driven by soaring prices of essential food items.
This story by Crispng.com aims to shed light on the impact of inflation on the affordability and accessibility of basic food products since the present government came onboard, focusing on key staples like bread, garri (cassava flakes), eggs, rice, beans and noodles.
Bread
Bread, once a universally affordable staple, has become a luxury item for many Nigerians. The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) ones expressed concern over the escalating prices of baking materials.
The cost of bread has risen exponentially, with a simple loaf priced at N250, up from N150. The implications of this increase affect all classes of income earners, particularly impacting average salary earners who now struggle to afford a food item once considered basic.
Garri
Garry is also consider as a staple food made from cassava, has always been a crucial component of the Nigerian diet. However, its rapid price increase has pushed it out of the reach of many low-income Nigerians.
Premium Times reported that, in some major markets across Abuja, garri prices have risen significantly, with a mudu of white garri now ranging from N600 to N700, compared to the previous price of N400. This signifies a substantial increase that has turned an accessible food source into an unattainable luxury.
Egg
For Eggs which was once regarded as one of the cheapest sources of protein, are now considered a luxury item in Nigeria due to their escalating prices. Poultry farmers and industry stakeholders attribute this surge to the rising costs of key poultry feed ingredients.
A crate of eggs, which previously sold for N3,000, now ranges between N3,800 and N4,000, pricing it beyond the means of the average Nigerian household. This dramatic increase in cost has affected families’ access to a vital source of essential nutrients.
Noodles
Nigeria’s love affair with instant noodles is well-known, with the country ranking 11th in global demand. However, the rising cost of noodles has made it a luxury item for many households.
The popular Indomie brand, along with other competing brands, has seen prices surge.
For instance, a 70g pack of Indomie, previously priced at N3,000, now costs between N7,000 and N8,000. This substantial increase has left many Nigerians in disbelief and struggling to afford a once-affordable pantry staple.
Rice
Rice, an integral part of virtually every Nigerian meal, has witnessed a dramatic and worrisome increase in price.
According to the jollof index report published by SB Morgen, the cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice, a beloved delicacy, soared by 220.7% from July 2015 to September 2023.
In September 2023 alone, the average price rose from N12,504 to N13,106. Furthermore, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that the average price of 1kg of local rice increased by 81.35% year-on-year, reaching N917.93 in December 2023. These figures illustrate the growing challenge faced by Nigerians to afford the once-affordable staple.
Beans
Also Beans renowned for its health benefits and protein content, is also experiencing a surge in prices. At Olojudo market in Ido Ekiti, traders revealed that the cost of a 100kg bag of small white beans has skyrocketed, reaching N120,000 compared to the previous price of N75,000. This sharp increase places a strain on households looking to incorporate beans into their diets as a vital source of nutrition and an alternative to more expensive protein sources.
Implications for Nigeria’s food security
The rising costs of rice and beans not only impact the financial well-being of Nigerian households but also raise concerns about the country’s food security. Rice, being a staple food, plays a crucial role in ensuring food availability and accessibility for a significant portion of the population. With prices reaching unprecedented levels, many Nigerians will find it increasingly difficult to afford this dietary staple.
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Similarly, the escalating cost of beans deprives Nigerians of an important protein source, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and health issues among vulnerable communities.
As food inflation rates continue to soar, the affordability and accessibility of essential food items in Nigeria are under threat. The rising prices of bread, garri, eggs, and noodles serve as significant examples of the alarming impact of inflation on the average Nigerian diet.
This situation demands urgent attention from policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and industry players to ensure that the basic sustenance needs of the population are met. Failure to address these issues could result in a significant nutritional and socioeconomic crisis that will further burden the already struggling Nigerian population.
