‘We Buy What We Can Afford’: Lagos Families Turn to Cheaper Foods as Prices Soar

The relentless rise in food prices is reshaping eating habits across Lagos, with many families abandoning familiar meals, reducing portions and settling for cheaper substitutes in an effort to survive the economic strain.

For many residents, grocery shopping has become an exercise in compromise rather than choice, as household budgets struggle to keep pace with soaring market prices.

Speaking on the development, a resident of Egbeda, Mrs. Iyabode Fakunle, said the current situation has blurred the line between luxury and necessity, with food items once regarded as affordable now becoming increasingly difficult for average families to purchase.

She recalled growing up in a time when families could easily switch to lower-cost alternatives whenever finances were tight.

According to her, such options are rapidly disappearing as virtually every category of food continues to experience sharp price increases.

“People used to have fallback options whenever money was scarce. Today, even those alternatives have become expensive, making it harder for families to adjust,” she said.

Another Lagos resident, Mrs. Agatha Madueke, described market visits as frustrating experiences due to constant price changes.

She said shoppers often arrive with a clear list and budget only to discover that prices have risen again, forcing them to rethink their meals and settle for whatever they can afford.

“The prices are unpredictable. You can plan for one thing and end up buying something completely different because the cost has changed,” she said.

For Mr. Martins Atego, the impact is being felt directly at home, where food decisions are now driven by affordability rather than preference.

He explained that his family has scaled back consumption of some items and now spends more time comparing prices across different markets before making purchases.

“Most families are no longer buying what they want; they are buying what their pockets can carry,” he said.

At Lawanson Market, spice trader Mrs. Basirat Omolewa said consumer behaviour has changed significantly over the past months.

She noted that customers increasingly request lower-priced products, purchase smaller quantities of cooking ingredients and carefully monitor every purchase to avoid exceeding their budgets.

According to her, shoppers who once bought food items in bulk now prefer measured portions as they attempt to stretch limited incomes.

“The focus now is on getting the cheapest available option. Many people are counting every naira before making a purchase,” she said.

Despite the growing pressure on household finances, nutrition experts have warned against abandoning healthy eating habits altogether.

Nutritionist Mrs. Kofo Ayorinde said families can still maintain balanced diets by making smarter food choices and embracing affordable nutrient-rich alternatives.

She encouraged households to explore less expensive protein sources such as beans, eggs and soy products, while taking advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are often cheaper and readily available.

According to her, proper meal planning and reducing food waste can also help families maximise available resources without compromising their nutritional needs.

Ayorinde further urged government authorities and relevant stakeholders to address the rising cost of food and implement measures that would make essential commodities more affordable for Nigerians.

As inflation continues to erode purchasing power, many Lagos residents say survival now depends on one difficult reality, choosing what they can afford over what they truly want.