Soaring Cow Prices Push Meat and Protein Out of Reach for Nigerian Families

A recent investigation shows that sharply rising cattle prices are forcing low-income households to drop meat from their meals. Beef, fish, chicken, turkey and even eggs have become too expensive for many families. In markets across Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt, a kilogram of beef now costs from ₦8,000 upward. Goat meat and turkey hover around ₦10,000 per kilo, while a crate of eggs can sell for over ₦6,000. Many parents say they now buy smaller portions or switch to cheap staples like garri, noodles and yam. Nutrition experts warn that this shift is worsening Nigeria’s malnutrition crisis. Protein deficiency in children under five is rising, contributing to stunting, wasting and weakened immunity. With nearly 40% of children already stunted and millions at risk of acute hunger, they say urgent action is needed to protect vulnerable families. Government data and health agencies have linked these trends to fuel subsidy removal, high feed costs and transport fees from northern ranches. Without affordable protein sources, experts fear hidden hunger will deepen across the country.

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