Nigeria's rising costs redefine everyday survival amid inflation

The daily reality for many Nigerians is a stark calculation of sacrifice, as the cost of essential goods and services outpaces available income.

Christiana Bulus, a trader who travels from Niger State to Gosa Market, exemplifies this struggle. Her transportation costs have more than doubled, from N1,500 to approximately N3,500. This increased expense, coupled with higher prices for goods, means customers are buying less, leaving traders like Bulus in a difficult position. "People are hungry but there is no money to buy food," she stated.

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When the prices of goods were low, we sold more and got enough gain, but now people don’t patronise much because the prices are high. People are hungry but there is no money to buy food.

Official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show headline inflation slowing to 15.43 percent in July 2026. However, food inflation moved in the opposite direction, climbing to 20.31 percent year-on-year in July from 17.52 percent in June. This divergence means that while the overall inflation rate may be decreasing, the cost of food, a primary necessity, is rising sharply.

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Things like tomatoes, pepper and even proteins are all taking more money than before.

Aisha Bello, a salaried worker in Abuja, described how her income has failed to keep pace with the rising costs of everyday necessities. Food now consumes a larger portion of her budget, and transportation expenses have also increased significantly. She noted that items like tomatoes, peppers, and proteins are all more expensive. Consequently, Bello has reduced her spending on eating out and now carefully manages her budget, sometimes choosing between buying food and affording fuel.

"I cannot say I'm living the same way I was living a year ago," Bello said, reflecting a widespread sentiment of diminished purchasing power and altered living standards across Nigeria.

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I cannot say I'm living the same way I was living a year ago.