In November 2026, a Nigerian mother uploaded a short video to Instagram, cautioning people who plan to start families that the cost of baby food has risen dramatically and that many households may struggle to afford it. She linked the price hike directly to the economic policies pursued by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
What did the woman say?
She explained that the price of infant formula, ready‑to‑eat cereals and other essential baby‑feeding items has become “unbearably high,” making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to raise a child. “Raising a child has become increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians,” she said in the clip, adding that prospective parents should carefully evaluate their financial readiness before deciding to have children.
Why does she blame the government?
The woman argued that recent fiscal and monetary decisions, including subsidy removals and tax adjustments, have pushed up the cost of essential commodities across the board. She pointed to the broader inflation trend reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, which has shown consumer‑price growth exceeding 30% in the past year, as evidence that families are feeling the squeeze.
How does this reflect wider economic pressures?
Nigeria has been grappling with high inflation, a depreciating naira and rising food prices since the start of Tinubu’s tenure. Analysts at the Central Bank of Nigeria have warned that continued pressure on the foreign‑exchange market could further elevate import‑dependent goods such as baby formula, which are largely sourced from abroad. The mother’s video echoes concerns voiced by consumer‑rights groups that many essential items are now out of reach for low‑ and middle‑income families.
What was the public reaction?
The Instagram post quickly gained traction, with thousands of comments from users sharing their own struggles to afford infant nutrition products. The video was later featured on the popular Linda Ikeji Blog, where the headline read “Nigerian woman laments rising cost of baby food, advises intending parents to consider financial readiness.” The article reproduced the video link and highlighted the growing debate over the government’s handling of the cost‑of‑living crisis.
What does this mean for prospective parents?
While the woman’s warning is personal, it underscores a broader reality: families planning to have children in Nigeria must now factor in higher childcare expenses, especially for nutrition. Financial planners suggest budgeting for baby‑food costs that can be 20‑30% higher than a year ago, alongside other essentials such as healthcare and education.
Overall, the video serves as a reminder that rising commodity prices are not just abstract statistics but tangible challenges affecting everyday decisions about family planning in Nigeria.