By Juliet Aliwo
Nigeria, many citizens find themselves in a precarious ‘survival mode’ due to soaring food inflation, which reached a staggering 39.84% in December 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This year-on-year surge in food prices has been driven by increases in the costs of staples such as yam, water yam, sweet potatoes, rice, maize, and various fish products. While government interventions have been initiated, many Nigerians are left questioning when substantial relief will arrive.
The Daily Struggle
According to BUSINESS DAY, markets survey across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, the cost of essentials has spiked dramatically. At Ikotun Market in Lagos, yam trader Aminu Lawal lamented the sharp decline in consumer purchasing power. “A tuber of yam that sold for N1,500 last January now costs N3,500 or more,” he reported, noting that many customers leave empty-handed due to the prices.
For families, meals have become more limited and rationed. Mary Olawale, a mother of four, explained, “We now eat rice only on Sundays. Most days, it’s garri and beans, which are also expensive. Feeding my family has never been this difficult.”
The crisis has been worsened by economic reforms from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including fuel subsidy removal and a unified exchange rate policy. While intended to stabilise the economy, these measures have diminished purchasing power and deepened poverty for many Nigerians. Tragically, over 50 people lost their lives in December during a stampede at a food distribution event.
According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises, Nigeria ranks second worldwide in acute food insecurity, with more than 24 million people classified as food insecure. The World Bank estimates that over 129 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, further straining household budgets already burdened by high food costs. Currently, Nigerians are spending a staggering 65% of their income on food, forcing many to forgo healthcare, education, and other essentials.
Government Initiatives and Public Sentiment
In response to the crisis, the government has introduced several initiatives, such as duty waivers on specific imported food items and the planned distribution of 2,000 tractors to farmers nationwide, aiming to enhance local production. However, experts caution that the impact of these measures may take time to materialise.
Public skepticism remains high. Schoolteacher Yusuf Olaitan remarked, “We’ve heard promises before, but prices keep rising. What we need is immediate action to stabilise prices, not just long-term plans.”
Despite the hardships, Nigerians are finding innovative ways to cope. Urban farming is on the rise, with many establishing small gardens at home. Cooperative buying groups are also forming, allowing families to pool resources for bulk purchases, mitigating individual costs.
Petty trader Jemila shared, “I started planting vegetables and cassava in my yard. While it doesn’t solve everything, it helps reduce my food expenses.”
As 2025 begins, there is guarded hope that government measures will yield tangible results. Experts stress that sustainable solutions will require consistency in policy, significant investment in agriculture, and broader economic reforms.
Mental Health in Crisis
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has taken a toll on the mental health of many Nigerians. Outpatient Supervisor Danielle Young explains, “During times of crisis, chaos, and trauma, we enter survival mode.”
With daily stressors related to food, transportation, housing, and education weighing heavily on citizens, many are forced to function under significant psychological strain.
The situation remains dire, but the resilience and adaptability of the Nigerian people highlight a spirit of survival amid overwhelming challenges.
