Nigeria’s beloved Jollof Rice costs soar, reflecting inflation crisis

The cost of preparing Nigeria’s favorite jollof dish has reached a record high, underscoring the persistent struggle of Africa’s most populous nation to contain a crippling cost-of-living crisis.

According to a market survey by SBM Intelligence, the average cost of making jollof rice for a family of five surged by 19% to ₦25,486 ($15.90) in March 2025, up from ₦21,300 ($13.29) in September 2024. A key driver of this increase is the soaring price of turkey, a major ingredient, which now ranges from ₦8,000 ($4.99) to ₦10,500 ($6.55) per kilogram, a dramatic rise from the ₦1,500 ($4.31) to ₦1,700 ($4.88) per kilo recorded in 2016. Other essential ingredients, including pepper, onions, beef, and rice, have also seen price increases.

The Jollof Index, published by SBM Intelligence, serves as a stark indicator of broader food price trends and the challenging economic climate in Nigeria, highlighting the nation’s precarious food security situation.

The report notes that West and Central Africa are facing a severe food security crisis, with over 40 million people struggling to feed themselves in early 2025. This number is projected to climb to 52.7 million by mid-2025, with 3.4 million facing emergency levels of hunger. 

In Nigeria, herder-farmer conflicts and persistent economic instability, characterised by high inflation, exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to social unrest, as witnessed in late 2024.

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate edged up to 24.23% in March 2025, from 23.18% in the previous month, while food inflation, although easing slightly, remained elevated at 21.79%. The rising cost of a staple dish like jollof rice serves as a tangible illustration of the economic pressures facing Nigerian households.

2016= USD348/$

2025= USD 1,603/$