Nigerians Pay More for Smaller Roadside Meals as Food Costs Rise

Roadside meals are becoming smaller and more expensive as food sellers struggle with rising ingredient, transport and cooking costs. For many workers, traders and riders who depend on bukas and mama-put spots, the old budget no longer buys a filling plate. One customer said ₦1,000 once bought enough food to satisfy him, but he now spends ₦1,500 and still leaves hungry. Another said a meal of ewa agoyin and bread that once cost ₦700 now requires far more money, forcing him to cut back on how often he eats. Food vendors say reducing portions is a survival measure, not greed. A canteen operator explained that a plate of rice and beef that sold for ₦800 now costs about ₦2,000 to prepare, while many customers cannot afford a matching price increase. Sellers are therefore serving less, cooking smaller quantities and, in some cases, shutting down entirely. With rice, cooking gas, tomatoes, onions and vegetable oil still expensive, both customers and food vendors are feeling the pressure. Until food production, security and household incomes improve, affordable filling meals may remain out of reach for many Nigerians.

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