Abuja, Nigeria — The skyrocketing prices of meat, eggs, and other essential food items have left many Nigerians scrambling for cheaper alternatives, with brisket bones becoming a popular yet unfortunate substitute for quality protein.
Over the past months, the rising cost of living, compounded by inflation and economic challenges, has pushed many families to the brink. The prices of beef, chicken, and eggs have surged to levels that are now beyond the reach of the average household.
Brisket Bones: A Budget Solution for Many
Faced with limited options, consumers are now turning to brisket bones — a by-product of beef processing, often discarded or sold cheaply — to meet their protein needs. In many markets, brisket bones, which consist mainly of leftover scraps of meat clinging to bone, have seen a rise in demand.
A customer at Wuse Market, Abuja, lamented, “Buying meat has become a luxury. We now buy brisket bones just to make soup because it’s all we can afford. At least with brisket bones, you still get a little meat and flavor for your stew.”
Others echoed similar frustrations, noting that even eggs, once a staple for many families, have become too expensive to include regularly in meals.
Eggs Become a Luxury
The price of eggs has also surged significantly, leaving many households and small businesses struggling. A tray of eggs that once sold for ₦1,800 now costs as much as ₦3,000 in some areas. This spike has affected local businesses, such as bakeries and restaurants, that rely heavily on eggs for production.
A baker in Lagos said, “We’ve had to reduce production and adjust prices because eggs are now too expensive. It’s difficult to balance our costs without losing customers.”
Economic Hardship and Inflation
The rising cost of fuel, transportation, and foreign exchange instability has exacerbated food prices across the board. Consumers have had to cut down on protein-rich foods, affecting their overall nutrition. Families now focus more on carbohydrates like rice, yam, and beans to stretch their food budgets.
A nutritionist, Dr. Sandra Akinola, warned that the trend could have long-term health impacts. “Lack of access to adequate protein can lead to malnutrition, especially in children,” she said. “We need urgent intervention to stabilize food prices and ensure people can afford a balanced diet.”
Government Urged to Intervene
Consumers and market analysts are calling on the government to implement measures to curb inflation and ease the burden on households. Subsidies, support for local farmers, and price control mechanisms have been suggested as ways to manage the crisis.
“We need policies to stabilize the economy, especially in agriculture and food production,” said a trader at Ketu Market. “If things continue like this, many Nigerians won’t be able to afford even basic food.”
A Grim Outlook
With no immediate solution in sight, many families fear that the holiday season will bring even more hardship, as prices typically rise during that period. For now, brisket bones and other alternatives will have to fill the gap for many struggling Nigerians.
