With Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, many Nigerian families are scaling back plans due to soaring food prices.

The cost of festive staples like chicken and turkey has skyrocketed, with poultry prices ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦25,000 for chickens and up to ₦130,000 for turkeys in some markets.

“Transportation costs, feed prices, and supply chain issues are driving this surge,” explained vendors in Abuja’s Utako and Wuse markets, where local turkeys sell between ₦85,000 and ₦130,000, and “agric” turkeys cost ₦110,000 to ₦140,000.

A similar trend is observed in Plateau State, where chickens range from ₦8,000 to ₦25,000, and turkeys go for between ₦70,000 and ₦110,000. Sellers lament poor patronage despite the festive season.

Groundnut oil has also increased in price, with a five-litre gallon now costing up to ₦18,000. Popular cooking oil brands such as King and Golden Terra are priced at ₦100,000 and ₦95,000, respectively, for 25kg bottles in Lagos.

The cattle market hasn’t been spared either, with cows priced between ₦700,000 and ₦1.5 million. Malam Rabiu Muhammad, Chairman of the Cattle Market in Jos, noted a significant decline in sales due to these steep prices.

For many civil servants, the season is a mix of anxiety and gratitude.

“What should be a season of joy has turned into a period of anxiety for families like mine,” said Olije Edward, a Benue State worker.

“The most important thing is that God has preserved us to see another Christmas,” said Ebitare, a Bayelsa State civil servant.