A Nigerian man has expressed concern over the rising cost of food after purchasing a portion of okpa for ₦500.
In a video shared on X, the man lamented that okpa, a popular Nigerian delicacy that is often regarded as an affordable meal for low-income earners, has become increasingly expensive.
While displaying the food he had purchased, he expressed surprise at the price and questioned why there had been little public reaction to the rising cost.> “My God, Okpa, it’s now ₦500. Nobody’s saying anything, no protest,” he said.
The man recalled a period when okpa could reportedly be purchased for as little as ₦50, using the sharp increase in price to highlight the broader difficulties facing Nigerians amid rising living costs.
Raises Concern for Low-Income Earners
The man particularly expressed concern about how workers earning modest incomes would cope with the increasing prices of food and other essential commodities.
He mentioned bricklayers, primary school teachers and other low-income earners, questioning how people in such occupations could continue to meet their daily needs as the cost of living rises.
“How will …… survive? How? If I don’t lend my voice to this, they’ll say those that stay in Maitama don’t care,” he said.
He called on the government to pay greater attention to the rising cost of food and take steps to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Nigerians React to the Video
The video generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users pointing out that ₦500 for okpa may actually be cheaper than prices in certain parts of the country.
SylvesterIfe wrote:> “Okpa isn’t common o in this country condition, Wetin make Okpa common? I’m very sure big restaurants in Lagos will sell it 2k 😂 if they can make it.”
Another user, Son Of Man, suggested that the price could be significantly higher depending on the location.> “Come see how it looks in Benin, my God!!! You will cry for Okpa,” he wrote.
Samurai, however, offered a brief observation about the broader frustration surrounding the rising cost of living.> “Everybody de talk the one wey de pain am.”
The reactions reflect the wider public concern over the increasing prices of everyday food items and the growing pressure on households trying to cope with higher living expenses.