High cost pushes potato, meat, eggs off dining tables

The rise in cost of food items has forced many families to adopt dire survival strategies, including reducing protein intake, switching to cheaper substitutes, and limiting purchases to essential items only. Rising inflation and dwindling purchasing power have forced many families in Nigeria to adjust their consumption patterns, abandoning foreign goods and luxury food items for cheaper local alternatives. Residents across various states reported that basic foodstuffs have become unaffordable for average households. For example, Jamilu Sani from Kano noted that Irish potatoes, once a staple, are now considered luxury foods, affordable only when salaries are paid. Similarly, Mujibu Yakubu observed that households have stopped buying foreign spaghetti due to its high cost, opting instead for local alternatives. Abubakar Ibrahim highlighted that fish and fruits have also become out of reach, with prices rising from N2,000 to N4,000 for items that used to cost N2,000. In the Federal Capital Territory, residents noted that rising living costs have forced many to cut down meals, take on extra work, and abandon long-term plans as incomes fail to keep pace with surging prices. Avershima Num, a civil servant, and Samuel Peter Awasku, a housekeeper, both reported reducing their daily meals due to rising costs. Irfan Aseku Ahmed, a car dealer, adjusted his feeding routine to cope with rising expenses, noting that food is the hardest expense to avoid. At Wuse Market, Elizabeth Isa, a fruit seller, lamented declining sales and worsened household conditions due to reduced purchasing power. Mrs Tawakalitu Jimoh from Ilorin, Kwara State, explained that feeding a family has become increasingly difficult, with basic staples like meat and chicken now considered luxuries. Pastor Peter Olawoore described how families have altered their diets, replacing preferred foods like tea and bread with cheaper alternatives like pap or garri due to the high cost of milk. Abraham Olufemi, dealing in fairly used products, noted that the crisis has changed the meaning of food choice entirely, with households now skipping meals as a survival strategy. In Benue State, Mrs Grace Hyacinth and Elder Babs Usigbe diversified their food choices and income sources to cope with the high cost of living. Madam Ruth Ijachi substituted costly powdered milk with millet, while Dorathy Sabo switched from semovita flour to maize flour for cost savings. In Niger State, residents like Usman Tswachi adjusted their diets, replacing Bobo milk with locally made drinks like zobo and switching from meat to soya bean cake due to high costs. Hauwa Umar’s family reduced their meals to twice a day, cutting out eggs and bread due to affordability issues. Aliyu B. Abdulmalik from Mayaki cut off consumption of eggs, Basmati rice, and couscous entirely. Fatima Abdullahi Shaba worked harder through her petty business to support her family, though patronage dropped. In Bayelsa State, parents in Yenagoa noted that families often skip breakfast for lunch due to the high cost of beverages, milk, eggs, and bread. Mrs Laye Thankgod explained that everything, from rent to school fees, has become expensive, leaving little for feeding despite her salary.