Rising food costs push monthly feeding budget for Lagos family of five above ₦250,000

For many households in Lagos, putting three meals on the table each day has become one of the biggest financial challenges amid persistently high food prices and the rising cost of living.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that the average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) in Nigeria’s South-West region stands at about ₦1,801 per adult per day. For a typical family of five, this translates to an estimated monthly food budget of between ₦220,000 and ₦270,000 to provide balanced meals that include carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables.

Although food inflation has slowed compared to previous months, many residents say prices remain too high for average-income earners, forcing families to adjust their eating habits and spending priorities.

A survey of markets across Lagos, including Mile 12, Oyingbo, Ikeja and Surulere, shows that staple food items continue to account for a significant share of household expenses. A 25kg bag of rice now sells for between ₦38,000 and ₦48,000, while families spend between ₦28,000 and ₦38,000 monthly on beans and yam. Animal protein—including fish, beef and eggs—remains the most expensive component of the household food basket, costing between ₦65,000 and ₦85,000 each month.

Cooking oil, seasonings and other condiments add another ₦22,000 to ₦30,000 to monthly expenses, while tomatoes, peppers and other fresh vegetables typically cost between ₦25,000 and ₦35,000. Altogether, a modest but nutritionally balanced food basket can exceed ₦250,000 monthly, depending on family size and dietary needs.

For households earning less than ₦200,000 a month, maintaining a balanced diet has become increasingly difficult.

“I earn just over ₦180,000 every month, but feeding my family takes almost all of it,” said Adeola Johnson, a father of three living in Abule Egba. “We have reduced the quantity of meat we buy, and there are days when beans or eggs replace beef because they are more affordable.”

Many families say they have adopted new strategies to manage rising food costs. Some now buy food items in bulk through cooperative purchases with neighbours or colleagues to secure wholesale prices, while others carefully ration meals and rely on leftovers to reduce waste.

Nutrition experts note that protein remains the costliest component of a healthy diet, accounting for a significant share of household food expenditure. As a result, many families have substituted beef and poultry with eggs, beans and dried fish in an effort to maintain nutritional value while reducing costs.

Economists say the high cost of food reflects a combination of inflation, transportation expenses, insecurity affecting agricultural production, exchange rate pressures and supply chain challenges. They argue that improving food production, reducing logistics costs and strengthening agricultural value chains will be essential to easing the burden on consumers.

Despite signs that inflationary pressures are moderating, many Lagos residents say food remains their largest monthly expense, often taking precedence over housing, healthcare and other household needs.

For countless families across the city, careful budgeting has become essential, with every market trip requiring difficult choices about what can be afforded and what must be left behind.