The average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice in Nigeria has risen to ₦25,486, reflecting a 19.7 percent increase from the ₦21,300 recorded in September 2024. This sharp rise, highlighted in the latest “Staple Under Stress” report by SBM Intelligence, signals deepening food price inflation across the country.
The report is part of the SBM Jollof Index, which tracks the cost of preparing the widely-loved West African dish as a proxy for broader food affordability in Nigeria. According to the research firm, the surge in price is driven by hikes in the cost of key ingredients, including rice, onions, pepper, beef, and especially turkey, which is now considered one of the priciest sources of protein.
The rising cost of jollof rice reflects the broader economic pressure Nigerian households face as food inflation continues to strain daily living. SBM Intelligence’s data offers yet another indicator of the growing challenge of food insecurity and the need for urgent policy responses to stabilize the market.
