Some Lagos residents have lamented the persistent hike in the price of meat during the administration of President Bola Tinubu saying the rise is pushing protein beyond the reach of many households.
The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that soaring meat prices had forced families to reduce consumption and turn to cheaper sources of protein, such as fish and eggs.
NAN reports that beef prices in several Lagos markets have risen sharply in the past year, putting pressure on household budgets and changing eating habits.
A kilogramme of beef, which sold for between N5,000 and N6,500 in some markets in 2025, now costs between N7,500 and N9,500, depending on the cut and location.
Goat meat prices have also increased, with medium-sized portions now selling for between N10,000 and N15,000, compared with N7,000 and N10,000 last year.
Similarly, a carton of frozen chicken, which sold for between N32,000 and N38,000, now costs between N52,000 and N65,000 in many markets.
Some meat sellers attributed the increase to rising transportation costs, insecurity affecting the movement of livestock from northern Nigeria and higher animal feed costs.
The Lagos State Butchers Association attributed the development to insecurity, rising transportation costs, and delayed local ranching initiatives.
The association’s Patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, told NAN that the price of cows in the state has risen to N2.5 million from N1.7 million in 2025.
At Lawanson Market, Mr Gbadamosi Shonaike, a meat seller, said many customers could no longer afford the quantity they used to buy.
“People now buy meat in smaller portions. Some customers who usually buy one kilogramme now ask for half or even less.
“The cost of transporting cattle from the North has increased, and feeding animals is also more expensive,” he said.
At Mushin Market, another trader, Mr Giwa Ganiyu, said reduced cattle supply had worsened the situation.
“Transportation and insecurity on the roads are affecting supplies coming into Lagos.
“When there are fewer cows to sell, prices go up, and customers blame traders,” he said.
Mrs Jaiye Ayodele, a civil servant in Surulere, said her family had significantly reduced meat consumption.
“We now use more fish and eggs because buying meat regularly is becoming difficult.
“What used to last for a week no longer lasts because prices keep rising.
“I wanted to buy chicken last week, but when I heard the price, I went for fish instead,” she said.
Mrs Folake Aromire, a teacher in Mushin, said meat had become unaffordable for many households.
“Everything is expensive now. Meat has almost become a luxury for some families.
“I love frying meat, but these days the little quantity I buy disappears almost immediately.
“Gone are the days when N5,000 could buy a reasonable portion of meat,” she said.
Mrs Basira Apena, a food vendor at Adegoke Junction in Surulere, said the rising cost had also affected small businesses.
“I had to increase food prices slightly because the cost of meat keeps going up.
“Some customers complain, but we are also trying to survive,” she said.
Many residents said that unless prices stabilise, more households would continue to reduce meat consumption and depend on cheaper alternatives to maintain balanced diets.
