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 Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Police Command is investigating the delivery of a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the managing director of First Bank Nigeria, Mr Oluwasegun Alebiosu.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Mr Tijani Fatai, confirmed the incident on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters.
He said Mr Alebiosu reported the case on May 7, noting that two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were sent to him through a parcel.
“The managing director reported the matter to the police after a package containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was delivered on his behalf by his security guard at his residence. The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
According to him, the parcel was first received by the bank chief’s security guard, who then handed it over to him.
The police commissioner said that operatives have launched an investigation, including forensic analysis and intelligence work, to identify the perpetrators and the circumstances of the incident.
He added that no suspect linked to the crime has been brought into custody.
“Presently, no suspect is in custody. Even though the MD has mentioned some people whom he suspected of being the brains behind it, that is his suspicion, anyway. We are still working on it,” he said.
Mr Fatai noted that detectives are reviewing information provided by the complainant, including details of individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the incident.
He assured the public that the command would keep them informed as the investigations go on, adding that the public should allow the police to carry out their duties.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state, as part of measures targeted at tackling insecurity.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The movement restriction, between 4 pm and 8 am, lasts for 48 hours in the first instance and affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected local councils are Oriire local government (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (Headquarters: Saki), Saki East (Hq Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).
The development followed a series of protests that rocked the state over the abduction of children and teachers in the Orire Local Government Area in May.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the latest protest held on Monday, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group to push for the freedom of the victims.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.”
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Mr Sanyaolu said.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter, prompting the formal closure of the DSS case.
Following the development, defence counsel, Mr Paul Erokoro, told the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.
The defence subsequently sought two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution requested two weeks to respond.
The defence also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.
They argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna state traditional council.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, ruling that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.
The court, however, adjourned to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of the trial.
In February, the federal government filed a three-count charge against the former governor of Kaduna State over an alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.
In a television interview, he confessed that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Mr Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.
However, the FG, through the secret police, filed charges against Mr El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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