The average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice in Nigeria has risen sharply to N25,486, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence, signaling a deepening food inflation crisis across the country.
The latest edition of the SBM Jollof Index, titled “Staple Under Stress,” shows a 19.7% increase in the cost of making the popular dish between September 2024 and March 2025. In September, the same meal cost N21,300.
The report, which analyzes food price trends using jollof rice as a benchmark, attributes the rise to the escalating cost of major ingredients such as rice, pepper, onions, beef, and turkey. Protein remains the priciest element, with turkey now selling between N8,000 and N10,500 per kilogram — a dramatic jump from its 2016 price range of N1,500 to N1,700.
SBM Intelligence blamed the price surge on a combination of factors: persistent insecurity in farming communities, high transportation and logistics costs, and rising energy expenses. These issues have continued to disrupt food production and distribution across Nigeria.
“Insecurity in food-producing areas, especially in states like Benue, Borno, and Plateau, has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to operate safely, and this has severely affected food supply,” the report noted. It added that the murder of farmers in these regions has further exacerbated the crisis.
The report, based on data from 13 markets across the country, observed that while there was a brief period of price stability toward the end of 2024, food prices surged again in early 2025. The continued hike in petrol prices and the recent increase in electricity tariffs for Band A users have further strained household budgets.
“Many families are now having to make tough decisions about what they can afford to eat,” the report stated, emphasizing that the rise in food prices is not just an economic issue but one that threatens nutrition and public health.
The Jollof Index is designed to reflect the real impact of inflation on everyday meals, using one of Nigeria’s most beloved dishes as a lens through which to track the rising cost of living. With the latest figures, it’s clear that more Nigerians are being priced out of even basic meals.
The report concludes with a warning that unless urgent steps are taken to address insecurity, reduce transportation costs, and stabilize energy prices, the country could see even steeper increases in food prices in the coming months.
Leave a Reply