By Ese Ufuoma
Across Nigeria, one issue is affecting almost every home: food is becoming too expensive.
From rice to garri, tomatoes to beans, prices have gone up sharply. What used to be normal meals are now difficult for many families to afford. This is no longer a small problem. It is a national crisis.
Recent data shows how serious the situation is. Food inflation reached as high as 45.4% in 2025, one of the highest levels in nearly two decades. Also, more than 60% of families say they are eating less than they need. Even worse, about 33 million Nigerians are expected to face serious food insecurity.
So what is causing this?
The first major reason is inflation. When inflation rises, everything becomes more expensive, including food. Research shows that for every 1% increase in inflation, food prices rise sharply as well.
Fuel prices are another big factor. Transporting food from farms to markets now costs more. Recent reports show that rising fuel costs are pushing up food prices across the country.
Insecurity is also playing a major role. In many farming areas, farmers cannot safely go to their land. Attacks and conflicts have reduced food production. Studies confirm that insecurity directly lowers farm output.
Climate change is making things worse. Floods, drought, and irregular rainfall are damaging crops. Farmers lose harvests, and this reduces supply.
The cost of farming has also increased. Fertiliser prices are rising, partly due to global supply issues. This makes it harder for farmers to produce enough food.
Another issue is Nigeria’s dependence on imports. When the naira falls, imported food becomes more expensive. Even local farming is affected because many inputs are imported.
All these problems are happening at the same time. The result is simple: less food, higher prices, and more hardship.
The impact is clear in everyday life. Families now skip meals, reduce portion sizes, or switch to cheaper, less nutritious food. This affects health, especially for children.
Experts warn that food inflation is no longer temporary; it is becoming a long-term problem.
To solve this crisis, strong action is needed. Security must improve so farmers can return to their land. Farmers need support, cheaper inputs, better roads, and access to funding. Government policies must also focus on stabilising prices and boosting local production.
Feeding the nation should not be this difficult. But without urgent action, the situation may get worse.