As the festive season approaches, many Nigerian families prepare to celebrate Christmas with special meals. However, the economic tide has dramatically shifted the cost of cooking a Christmas meal in a household since last year, primarily due to soaring inflation rates that have significantly increased food prices. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 34.6% in November 2024, with food inflation hitting an alarming 39.93%.
Key Takeaways
- Rising Costs of Christmas Meals: In Nigeria, the cost of cooking a Christmas meal in a household of four people now costs about N61,700, up from N21,800 the year before. This is because food and inflation costs are going up so fast.
- Factors Why Prices Are Going Up: The end of fuel subsidies and ongoing instability have made it more expensive to travel, limited the food supply, and raised the prices of basic foods like chicken, rice, and veggies by a large amount.
- Options that are easy on the wallet: To keep costs down, families can buy ingredients in bulk, choose leftover chicken over live chicken, and make veggie salad recipes easier to follow.
- Affordable Meal Solutions: Brands like iKooK offer cost-effective options, offering properly prepared meals for as low as N30,000, helping families enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank.
Effect of Inflation on Food Prices
Farmers and traders now face higher transportation expenses due to the mid-2023 elimination of fuel subsidies, reflected in the prices customers pay at local markets and supermarkets. The fuel cost has increased; gasoline costs N1100 to N1300 per liter depending on the location, while diesel can cost N1,200 per liter.
Food prices have increased nationwide as a result of these growing expenses. Families who wish to prepare a classic Christmas meal consisting of grilled chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad, for instance, will have to spend more than they did previously.
Effect of Insecurity on Food Prices
Nigeria’s food supply has drastically decreased due to farmers abandoning their land because they feel unsafe. This issue is particularly bad in the north, where the continuous instability has caused a 60% decrease in food output.
How Much Does It Cost to Cook a Christmas Meal for Your Family
Based on updated data for December 2024, the expected cost for a middle-class family of four to make a festive meal is roughly N61,700. It shows a big increase from last year’s estimate of N21,800.
The cost of cooking a Christmas meal in a household has risen by approximately 183.03% compared to the previous year. Highlighting the severe effect of inflation on family budgets.
Our analyst at iKooK did a breakdown of the Cost of Cooking a Christmas Meal in a household:
- 2kg of Big Bull rice – N6,000
- Carrots (for salad and fried rice) – N1,200
- Cow liver – N2,000
- Green beans – N1,200
- Frozen chicken (1 kilo, mixed) – N7,000
- Frozen chicken (1 kilo, chicken breasts) – N9,000
- Live chicken – N15,000
- Green peas – N1,200
- Spring onions – N1,200
- A can of sweet corn – N1,500
- A sachet of Kings vegetable oil – N3,500
- Average-sized cabbage – N1,200
- Green pepper – N1,200
- Curry and thyme packs – N1,500
- Irish potatoes (for vegetable salad base) – N1,200
- Baked beans – N1,200
- Cucumber – N1000
- Lettuce – N600
- Salad cream or mayonnaise – N5,000
This total cost reflects the inflated prices and varying family preferences regarding ingredient choices. For instance:
- Buying ingredients in bulk can reduce costs.
- Preferences for live versus frozen chicken can lead to significant price differences.
- Variations in vegetable salad recipes may also affect overall costs.
Alternative to Cooking a Christmas Meal for a Family
The sharp increase in food prices challenges many households during this festive season. Approximately 88.14% of the minimum wage is required to afford a Christmas meal for a family of four.
Many families may need to adjust their holiday plans or seek alternative options that fit their tightened budgets.
Families in Nigeria who want to enjoy a Christmas meal must carefully plan and budget their spending as inflation affects their daily lives.
This is where iKooK comes in; we are a brand that serves you the best meal for as low as N30,000 by ordering for our food bowl, where you get a professional private chef from the ikook app, make a recipe and send it to your doorstep.
Ready to Make This Christmas Unforgettable
Booking a private chef is an investment in hassle-free celebrations and culinary excellence. You should want to wow your guests or enjoy a relaxed, luxurious Christmas, and a private chef is not just the answer but not negotiable.
Contact iKooK, a reputable private chef service in Nigeria, today, and let us handle the magic while you savor every festive moment.
FAQ
1. What is the estimated cost of cooking a Christmas meal for a family of four in Nigeria in 2024?
The estimated cost for a middle-class family of four to prepare a Christmas meal in 2024 is approximately N61,700, a significant increase from last year’s price of N21,800.
2. Why has the cost of Christmas meals increased so dramatically this year?
The cost rise is mostly due to skyrocketing inflation, which reached 34.6% in November 2024, with food inflation reaching 39.93%. Factors such as withdrawing fuel subsidies and prolonged instability have also driven up transportation costs and limited food supplies, resulting to increased prices for vital ingredients.
3. Are there affordable meal solutions available for families?
Brands like iKooK offer cost-effective alternatives, offering properly prepared meals for as low as N30,000. This helps families to enjoy a holiday meal without straining their funds.
4. How much minimum wage is needed to afford a Christmas meal?
Approximately 88.14% of the minimum wage is necessary for a family of four to purchase a Christmas supper, underlining many households’ financial burdens over the festive season.
