Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has voiced deep concern over the escalating cost of living in Nigeria, highlighting how basic food items like tomatoes and pepper have become unaffordable for many households.
In an emotional Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Kadiri said she was troubled by the reality that everyday ingredients now cost as much as N5,000. “As a human being, I’m not known for complaining. But the past couple of days have been so troubling for me,” she said. “The cost of tomatoes is now so high. Somebody will use N5,000 to buy pepper and tomato… While somebody else is earning 25, 30, 40, N50,000.”
Kadiri warned that the economic pressure is taking a severe psychological toll, potentially turning people against their families as frustration builds. She likened poverty’s effect on the mind to cancer, saying it breeds unnecessary anger and erodes mental well-being. Her comments echo similar outcries from other celebrities, including actor Kunle Remi earlier in the year. The video has resonated widely amid ongoing discussions about inflation, food prices, and household struggles.
Kadiri’s public lament underscores the broader impact of economic reforms, supply chain disruptions, and market pressures on ordinary Nigerians, where basic feeding now consumes a disproportionately large portion of income. Many households are forced to cut back on nutritious meals, affecting health and productivity, particularly among low-income families. The rise in food prices has been linked to factors including insecurity disrupting farming activities, high transportation costs, and global commodity fluctuations.
This outcry from a prominent figure like Kadiri amplifies public frustration and puts additional spotlight on government efforts to tackle inflation and food security. While some officials point to long-term benefits of current reforms, the immediate hardship remains palpable for millions. Economists suggest that targeted interventions in agriculture, improved security in food-producing regions, and subsidies on essentials could help ease the burden in the short term.
The actress’s candid remarks have sparked widespread social media conversations, with many sharing personal stories of financial strain. It serves as a reminder that economic policies must be people-centred to maintain social stability and public support.
