Nigeria's Jollof Rice Becomes a Luxury Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Nigeria's jollof rice, a cherished childhood staple, is increasingly becoming unaffordable due to high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, turning the dish into a luxury reserved for special occasions like Detty December.
SBM Intelligence’s Jollof Index, which has tracked the cost of cooking jollof since 2015, shows that the cost of preparing a pot for a family of five has risen to 26,656 naira, up from 21,300 naira a year earlier. This is significant against the backdrop of a minimum wage of 70,000 naira.
Although inflation has eased from 24.48% to 14.45%, rising prices continue to erode purchasing power. For instance, rice prices have dropped from 120,000 naira in January to about 65,000 naira per bag, yet affordability remains a challenge for many households.
In response to these pressures, many families reduce key ingredients or substitute cheaper alternatives. For example, Maureen Simon uses crayfish and panla fish instead of chicken, creating a "concoction rice" that is less traditional but more affordable.
These cost issues are not limited to Nigeria. In Ghana, a pot of jollof for five costs roughly 430 cedis, with the minimum daily wage at 19.97 cedis, while plantain prices have also increased.
Nigerian and Ghanaian jollof differ primarily in the type of rice and seasoning. Nigerian jollof typically uses parboiled rice and features a spicier, bolder flavor profile.
Jollof holds deep cultural significance in both countries, with ongoing debates over which version is superior. High-profile events such as Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt emphasize its cultural prominence.
The rising cost of jollof rice is reshaping social traditions surrounding the dish, affecting hosting, family meals, and communal celebrations by making it less accessible and more transactional.
