As chicken prices surge and a controversial alcohol ban reshapes drinking habits, Nigerians face a new cost-of-living crisis.
The price of frozen chicken in Nigeria has jumped from ₦6,500 to ₦8,000 per kilogram in recent weeks, reflecting a broader trend of skyrocketing food costs driven by a combination of rising electricity tariffs, increased military spending, and government policies . For millions of Nigerians already struggling with inflation, these hikes are pushing basic staples further out of reach.
The Perfect Storm of Price Increases
🔌 Electricity Tariffs: A Cost That Trickles Down
The electricity crisis in Nigeria has entered a new phase of severity. Reports indicate that electricity bills for many consumers have more than doubled—and in some cases tripled—in a matter of months . This is largely due to the Band A classification introduced over two years ago, which raised tariffs by over 300%, pushing end-user tariffs from about ₦68 per kilowatt-hour to over ₦225/kWh .
For businesses that rely on cold storage—including frozen food importers, distributors, and retailers—these electricity costs are a direct input. Frozen chicken, which must be kept consistently cold from port to plate, is particularly vulnerable. When electricity bills soar, the cost is inevitably passed on to the consumer . The burden is compounded by the fact that many estates and businesses have been forced to rely on expensive diesel generators due to grid instability, further inflating energy costs .
💰 Military Salary Hikes: Government Spending That Fuels Inflation
In a move aimed at boosting troop morale and operational effectiveness, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a salary increase of up to 80% for the country’s armed forces personnel, effective September 1, 2026 . The annual wage bill for the 250,000 personnel has risen from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion—an increase of ₦264 billion .
While the salary hike is intended to reward service and address security challenges, economists warn that such massive government spending injects significant liquidity into the economy. The result is often inflationary pressure, which pushes up the cost of goods, including food, across the board. In this context, the price of frozen chicken climbing by over 23% reflects this broader macroeconomic trend .
🍷 The Alcohol Ban: A Controversial Ripple Effect
The ban on sachet alcohol and small-pack alcoholic beverages (under 200ml), enforced by NAFDAC, has been another source of economic disruption . NAFDAC has now entered the second phase of enforcement, targeting distributors and retailers after completing the first phase aimed at manufacturers . The ban, justified by health concerns and the need to protect children, has forced many manufacturers to recall and destroy products, with some factories closed and staff arrested .
The ban has had unintended consequences. With cheap, readily available sachet alcohol removed from the market—popular among soldiers and in mammy markets and corner shops—demand has shifted to alternatives like locally brewed palm wine. This surge in demand has driven up palm wine prices. In Lagos, a bottle of traditional palm wine now sells for around ₦3,000 , a significant hike that consumers are feeling.
The Impact on Food Prices: What Nigerians Are Paying
The cost-of-living data from various sources paints a troubling picture, with prices varying dramatically across cities.
🐔 Frozen Chicken Prices
As noted, frozen chicken has seen a sharp increase. Import transaction data suggests that the base cost of frozen chicken cuts hovered around $2.30–2.31 USD per kilogram in mid-2026 , but retail prices have escalated significantly when factoring in transportation, storage, and distribution costs.
🏙️ Comparison of Food Prices: Lagos vs. Benin City vs. Abuja
A comparison of food prices between Lagos and Benin City reveals stark differences. Overall, food in Lagos is a staggering 94% more expensive than in Benin City .
| Item | Lagos Price | Benin City Price | Abuja Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic lunchtime menu (business district) | ₦21,340 | ₦3,512 | — |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant | ₦6,138 | ₦3,617 | — |
| 500g boneless chicken breast | ₦2,361 | ₦2,071 | — |
| 1 liter whole fat milk | ₦1,434 | ₦381 | — |
| 12 eggs, large | ₦2,818 | ₦1,535 | — |
| 1kg tomatoes | ₦1,207 | ₦1,082 | — |
| 1kg apples | ₦1,433 | ₦2,463 | — |
| 1kg potatoes | ₦1,002 | ₦1,730 | — |
| 0.5L domestic beer (supermarket) | ₦413 | ₦797 | — |
| 2 liters Coca-Cola | ₦1,375 | ₦881 | — |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ₦1,266 | ₦730 | — |
| Traditional palm wine | ₦3,000 | — | — |
| Cooking gas (LPG) per kg | ₦1,100 – ₦1,350 | ₦1,150 – ₦1,400 | ₦1,250 – ₦1,500 |
Sources: Expatistan (prices updated April 2026), TRT Pidgin (LPG prices), Glovo .
The data shows that Lagos, the commercial capital, is substantially more expensive for most food items than Benin City . Meanwhile, cooking gas prices, a key energy source for cooking, are notably higher in Abuja (₦1,250–₦1,500 per kg) compared to Lagos (₦1,100–₦1,350 per kg) . This disparity reflects the additional cost of transporting goods to the federal capital and is a contributing factor to higher food prices there.
🔥 Cooking Gas Prices
LPG prices have also remained elevated across the country. While there was some relief in late June 2026, with supply improving and depot prices reducing, the relief has not been uniform. Prices vary significantly by region, with Abuja consumers bearing the highest costs .
| City | Price Range (per kg) |
|---|---|
| Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta | ₦1,100 – ₦1,350 |
| Benin City, Port Harcourt, Warri | ₦1,150 – ₦1,400 |
| Onitsha, Enugu | ₦1,200 – ₦1,450 |
| Abuja | ₦1,250 – ₦1,500 |
Source: TRT Pidgin
What Nigerians Are Saying
The combination of higher electricity tariffs, increased government spending, and the alcohol ban has created a perfect storm. Consumers are expressing frustration that they are paying more for less—whether it’s electricity, food, or alcohol.
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Electricity: Residents in areas like Osogbo and Ede complain of paying premium Band A rates for services not delivered. One resident noted that “the 20 hours are only on paper,” and that once there is a grid issue, “everything collapses, but the billing remains the same” .
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Frozen Chicken: Market traders in Lagos report that the price surge has driven away customers. “People are buying less now,” one trader was quoted as saying. “A full crate of frozen chicken that we used to sell in one morning now takes two or three days” .
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Palm Wine: The increased demand for palm wine following the sachet alcohol ban has led to higher prices, with sellers noting that “everyone is looking for an alternative to sachet drinks” . One seller in Lagos said, “Customers are surprised by the price, but they understand because they can’t get their usual drinks” .
Conclusion
The combination of electricity tariff hikes, increased military spending, and the sachet alcohol ban has created a perfect storm that is driving up food prices across Nigeria. With frozen chicken now selling for as much as ₦8,000 per kilogram and palm wine prices surging, consumers are feeling the pinch of a cost-of-living crisis that shows no signs of abating . The government’s policy decisions—while often well-intentioned—are having direct and unintended consequences on the wallets of everyday Nigerians.
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