Rising Food and Transport Costs Strain Nigerian Households

The rising costs of food and transportation in Nigeria are significantly affecting the daily lives of citizens. Christiana Bulus, a trader traveling from Dikko in Niger State to Gosa Market, has seen her transportation costs increase from N1,500 to approximately N3,500.

This rise in expenses has made it challenging for her to profit from sales, as customers are buying less due to high prices. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that headline inflation moderated to 15.43% in July 2026, down from 15.91% in June, while food inflation rose to 20.31% year-on-year in July, up from 17.52% in June.

Aisha Bello, a salaried worker in Abuja, noted that her income has not kept pace with rising costs, leading her to spend more on food and transportation and make sacrifices in her spending habits. The situation reflects a broader economic challenge where the cost of living continues to outstrip income growth for many Nigerians.