Nigeria confronts soaring food and cooking‑gas prices amid insecurity and inflation

A recent survey by the Nigerian Tribune found food prices soaring across markets in Kano, Abuja, Lagos, and other cities. Traders blamed insecurity, extortion by security agents, road blockades and climate‑related factors for sharp increases – for example, tomatoes rose from about N5,000 to N20,000‑N35,000 per basket, onions from N1,000 to N3,000, and beef from N750 to N1,300 per kilogram. Cattle slaughter volumes fell sharply as transport costs escalated.

At the same time, the price of liquefied natural gas (cooking gas) jumped to N1,500 per kilogram, pushing the cost of a 12.5 kg cylinder to N17,500 from N14,200. Consumers reported being unable to purchase full cylinders and feared a shift back to firewood, raising environmental concerns about deforestation and wildlife habitat loss. Public frustration was voiced over the government's handling of the crisis, with calls for urgent action to stem the rising cost of living.