The Digest:
The cost of preparing a pot of Jollof rice in Nigeria has surged by 153% from March 2023 to June 2025, with an average price of ₦27,528. This rise highlights the deepening food inflation, exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate changes, and other economic factors.
Key Points:
- The cost of Jollof rice has risen to ₦27,528, a 153% increase since March 2023.
- Major ingredients including rice, proteins, onions, and vegetable oil have seen dramatic price hikes.
- Abuja recorded the sharpest rise, with a pot costing ₦32,125 in June 2025.
- Bauchi, Kano, and the South-South regions also saw significant price increases.
- Logistics, insecurity, and exchange rate issues are major drivers of these price hikes.
- Despite food inflation dropping to 21.97% in June 2025, regional disparities remain.
- SBM Intelligence urges the government to focus on insecurity, infrastructure, and agriculture to reduce food prices.
With food inflation outpacing overall inflation, the rising cost of basic staples like Jollof rice is emblematic of the challenges in Nigeria’s food supply system. To alleviate the burden on citizens, tackling insecurity and improving infrastructure is crucial.
Sources: SBM Intelligence, Guardian
