Ruth Kadiri Voices Concerns Over Rising Food Prices in Nigeria

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri publicly addressed the rising food prices in Nigeria, sharing her personal feelings about the situation in a video that garnered significant online attention. She emphasized that the current high cost of living is affecting not just her but many Nigerians.

The inflation rate in Nigeria climbed to 16.06% in April 2026, marking a troubling trend as food prices have risen for three consecutive months. Staple foods such as pepper, beef, yam, flour, millet, ginger, and garri have seen significant price increases, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The cost of maintaining a healthy diet for an adult in Nigeria has risen to 1,513 naira per day, reflecting a 12.4% increase year-on-year. With the national minimum wage at 70,000 naira, many households struggle to meet basic needs, as food costs account for a substantial portion of their expenses.

The United Nations projects that 35 million Nigerians will face severe food insecurity during the peak of the 2026 lean season, with an estimated 6.4 million children affected in the North East.