General
SBM Intelligence’s Jollof Index Sees 153% Surge in Two Years
By Adedapo Adesanya
The cost of cooking a pot of Jollof Rice has surged by 153 per cent over the last two years, the latest Jollof Index released by SBM Intelligence has showed.
The report, titled From Pot to Poverty, reveals that the national average cost of preparing a single pot of Jollof Rice, a staple in many Nigerian homes has jumped from N10,864 in March 2023 to N27,527.85 by June 2025.
The rise in the cost shows how inflation has worsened the consumption ability of people, with the focus on Nigeria and Ghana, two West African counties where the delicacy is very common.
SBM Intelligence tracks the cost of Jollof Rice ingredients including rice, tomatoes, pepper, onions, oil, and seasoning for nearly a decade as a relatable metric for food affordability across Nigeria and Ghana.
The latest findings, however, highlight a sharp divergence between food inflation and the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI), signalling that rising food costs are now being driven by more entrenched structural issues.
According to the report, “Food inflation has decoupled from broader Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends, exposing entrenched supply-side challenges,” it said.
The index reveals wide regional disparities. In Bauchi State, for instance, the cost of Jollof ingredients has increased by over 400 per cent due to bandit attacks, farmer displacement, and drought conditions. The Northeast region recorded some of the steepest inflationary pressures, further exacerbated by insecurity that disrupts agricultural activities and inter-state food movement.
Meanwhile, urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja saw significant increases in food prices tied to the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023, which pushed up transportation costs. In turn, traders have passed these costs on to consumers, further straining already stretched household budgets.
Drawing comparison with Ghana, the report stated that the cost of preparing Jollof Rice rose to GH₵420 during the same period. However, Ghana’s inflation trajectory appears to be moderating. As of June 2025, Ghana’s headline inflation fell to 16.3 per cent, aided by currency stability and consistent macroeconomic policy efforts.
“In Ghana, the Jollof Index closely tracks the national CPI, suggesting a more responsive and effective economic environment,” SBM noted. “Nigeria’s disconnect highlights deeper structural dysfunction.”
It noted that Nigerian families are adapting through bulk buying, reducing meal frequency, and substituting ingredients, adding that for many low-income households, jollof rice is fast becoming a luxury.
The report added that food processors, retailers, and logistics providers face higher costs, lower consumer demand, and operational uncertainties.
The report urged companies to explore regional sourcing, build resilient supply chains, and hedge against further currency shocks.
To address the crisis, SBM called for urgent interventions: restore security in farming regions, fix transport infrastructure, and increase investment in local agriculture. It warns that without coordinated policy responses, Nigeria risks deeper food insecurity and social discontent.
“This report offers a granular analysis of food inflation’s drivers and impacts, providing actionable insights for stakeholders. Prioritising security, infrastructure, agricultural support, and resilient supply chains is paramount to safeguarding food security and ensuring sustainable economic stability across West Africa,” SBM said.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The annual retreat for business managers and executives organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) will take place from April 16 to 18, 2026, at the AAE & T Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
This year’s edition is themed The Resilient Enterprise, People and Systems: Building and Managing Businesses that Outlive Seasons, Cycles and Crises.
The programme aims to equip leaders with the insights, tools, and networks required to build resilient organisations in an increasingly complex business environment.
It will provide a unique platform for executive-level engagement through high-level conversations, peer learning sessions with experienced leaders, strategy reflection workshops, and curated networking opportunities.
Expected to attend are industry leaders, senior executives, and business managers from across sectors. They will explore strategies for sustaining organisational performance through leadership transitions, economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and market disruptions.
Participants will also benefit from interactive discussions focused on strengthening corporate governance, developing agile leadership capabilities, and building organisational systems that can withstand periods of uncertainty and transformation.
A notice from NECA said the event is open to both members and non-members, with participation fees set at N300,000 for members and N320,000 for non-members. Discounts will also be available for Gold and Silver members, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Interested participants are encouraged to register via the official registration link to secure their place at the retreat, which promises to deliver valuable insights and connections for executives seeking to build enterprises capable of thriving through seasons of change and uncertainty.
The Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, noted that by convening business managers and senior executives in a collaborative learning environment, the association aims to contribute to the development of stronger, future-ready enterprises that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and support national development even in the face of evolving global and local challenges.
He added that the retreat will provide executives with the opportunity to step away from daily operational demands and engage in deeper strategic conversations with peers and industry experts.
“The theme of this year’s retreat speaks directly to the realities businesses face today. Across sectors, organisations are navigating leadership transitions, regulatory shifts, economic pressures, and technological disruption.
“What distinguishes enduring enterprises is their ability to build strong systems, develop capable leaders, and create organisational cultures that can adapt and respond effectively to change,” the NECA chief said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In further demonstration of its unwavering commitment to its workforce, Nigeria’s foremost power generation company, Egbin Power Plc, has unveiled 80 new residential housing units for employees within its plant premises in Egbin, Lagos State.
This comprises 40 fully furnished three-bedroom apartments and 40 furnished studio apartments, all designed to contemporary standards.
The units feature modern infrastructure and thoughtfully planned utilities, creating a safe, comfortable, and conducive living environment that supports both employee productivity and family well-being.
This strategic investment underscores the company’s philosophy that a well-supported workforce is fundamental to sustained operational excellence.
The new housing units are part of a holistic strategy to cultivate a stable, motivated, and future-ready workforce.
This strategy extends beyond infrastructure to encompass robust career development and recognition. Over the past three years, Egbin Power has promoted 112 employees across various cadres, reinforcing a culture that rewards merit, performance, and long-term dedication
“At Egbin Power, our people are our most valuable asset. Even amidst the prevailing liquidity and operational realities within the broader power sector, our focus on employee welfare has remained deliberate and consistent.
“This significant expansion of our residential estate is a tangible expression of that commitment.
“It is one of several key initiatives aimed at ensuring our employees feel genuinely supported, allowing them to thrive both personally and professionally,” the chief executive of Egbin Power, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, said.
Initiated in 2025 and completed in January 2026, this project is the latest milestone in Egbin Power’s structured and ongoing approach to enhancing employee welfare. It reflects the energy firm’s dedication to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, secure, and motivated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Nigerian Exchange Group House in Lagos, the role of capital markets in promoting gender equality will be reemphasised through the closing gong ceremony in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.
The ceremony is part of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, which mobilises stock exchanges worldwide to expand women’s participation in the economy and advance gender-inclusive practices.
In Nigeria, the NGX Group is partnering with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) to make it memorable under the theme Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.
Dignitaries expected at the ceremony include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma; the Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Frana Chukwuogor; foremost actor, Ms Funke Akindele; a Director at the NGX Group, Ms Ojinnika Olaghere; and another staffer of NGX Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, alongside board members of NGX Group, regulators, capital market stakeholders, and industry leaders.
NGX Group is joining other exchanges worldwide in sounding the NGX Gong to underscore the importance of inclusive leadership, equal opportunities, and stronger market accountability in advancing gender equality.
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