by Kede Aihie
During my recent visit to Nigeria, spanning Lagos, Benin City, and Abuja, I was struck by the alarming rise in the cost of living, particularly when it comes to food. The prices of everyday essentials have skyrocketed, leaving many wondering how the average Nigerian manages to make ends meet.
A personal experience brought this harsh reality into sharp focus. I craved my favorite breakfast, Akara (bean fritters) and Akamu (pap), which I hadn’t enjoyed in over a year. Sending a domestic staff to purchase them, I was taken aback by the costs. A piece of Akara was ₦100, while Akamu was ₦500.
For a modest breakfast, the total came to ₦1,000 – a staggering amount. We shared 10 pieces of Akara (5 each) and I gave away half of the Akamu. This raises a critical question: how do individuals on Nigeria’s minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month survive? It’s unfathomable. Yet, they do, resigned to their fate.
The escalating cost of living in Nigeria demands urgent attention. Rising food prices are crippling household budgets, minimum wage earners face impossible choices, and the average Nigerian struggles to afford basic necessities. It’s time for policymakers, stakeholders, and individuals to join forces and address the root causes of Nigeria’s soaring cost of living.
We must work towards creating a more equitable society where citizens can afford to live with dignity. The ₦1,000 breakfast may seem trivial, but it represents a broader issue – one that requires collective action to ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
