Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has raised alarm over the rising cost of food in Lagos, saying on Monday that if someone like her is feeling the pinch, she fears for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Kadiri made the remarks in a video posted online, highlighting that basic ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes now cost up to ₦5,000 per purchase.

Kadiri said she was troubled by how quickly prices have escalated and expressed concern about families struggling to cope. ‘Cost of tomatoes is so high. Somebody will use ₦5,000 to buy pepper and tomatoes. ₦5,000, while somebody else out there is probably earning ₦25,000, ₦40,000, ₦50,000,’ she stated. Her comments resonated widely among Nigerians online, with many saying she spoke for millions facing similar hardship.

Her public outcry comes amid new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose from 15.69% to 16.06% in April 2026—the highest since November 2025. The spike has been driven mainly by surging food costs, with key staples such as pepper, beef, yam flour and garri recording significant increases. The NBS Cost of Healthy Diet indicator now puts daily nutrition needs at a minimum of ₦1,513 per adult—a jump of 12.4% compared to last year.

Kadiri also spoke on the psychological toll of prolonged hardship. ‘Poverty—what poverty does to people’s minds is like cancer; it eats away,’ she said in her video message. She warned that frustration over living costs could spill over into family tensions and general anger in society.

The United Nations has projected that up to 35 million Nigerians risk facing severe food insecurity during the peak lean season in 2026. In some states such as Ekiti and Abia, households reportedly spend more than 87% of the minimum wage on food alone. Labour leaders have warned that rising prices are eroding workers’ purchasing power nationwide.

Kadiri concluded: ‘If somebody like me can start to feel the brunt of the heaviness of being a human being, I wonder what other people are going through.’ With inflation still climbing and no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action will be needed to address worsening food affordability across Nigeria.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ruth-kadiri-rising-food-prices-nigeria-2026061111100952325

Global oil markets react to US-Iran standoff after closure of Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over inflation in Nigeria

Brent crude oil prices climbed past $93 per barrel on Tuesday in Lagos following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with experts warning of imminent increases in petrol landing costs and inflation across Nigeria. The development comes after US President Donald Trump, ahead of his 80th birthday on June 14, issued a stern ultimatum to Iranian leaders amid an escalating military confrontation.

The diplomatic standoff escalated sharply after Iran announced the total closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime passage for global energy shipments—following the downing of an American military helicopter. In response, President Trump told Fox News during a phone interview that unless Iranian authorities sign a new agreement immediately, “We’ll bomb the shit out of them tomorrow night.” The US had earlier launched 49 Tomahawk missiles targeting Iranian radar and air defence sites near the Persian Gulf.

Analysts say that any disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s economy, given that one-fifth of global petroleum passes through this channel daily. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has repeatedly warned that spikes in international crude prices and supply disruptions directly affect fuel import costs and naira stability, with previous crises leading to sharp increases at filling stations nationwide.

Reacting to developments, senior Iranian officials reportedly reached out to the White House requesting a halt to further attacks as diplomatic talks remained inconclusive. While government sources in Abuja declined immediate comment on contingency plans for fuel imports, industry stakeholders have raised concerns over possible shortages and further upward pressure on consumer prices if the conflict persists. “Any escalation in the Middle East will hit Nigeria’s economy through higher petrol prices and exchange rate volatility,” an oil sector analyst said.

As at Tuesday evening, energy traders in Lagos and Port Harcourt were already factoring higher freight and insurance costs into their pricing models. Experts say Nigerians should brace for possible hikes in pump prices if hostilities continue or oil shipments remain stranded at sea. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have called on government to strengthen domestic refining capacity as a long-term buffer against external shocks linked to global geopolitical risks.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/trump-birthday-wish-iran-bomb-threat-nigeria-fuel-prices-2026061110412665857

DSS, Police heighten security in Edo and Niger after intelligence reports warn of planned mass abductions

Schools across several states in Nigeria’s North-Central region were closed on Wednesday following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 a.m., left three persons dead and triggered widespread fear of further attacks on educational institutions.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the assailants—believed to be operating with about 40 motorcycles—stormed the school with the suspected aim of abducting students and residents. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, one attacker was killed while a security operative attached to the joint response team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment. Police spokesperson Salihu Afusat confirmed that the deceased included Mr Ganiyu Anifowose (Vice Principal), Mr Sunday Alhassan (aged 70), and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The latest violence comes just weeks after pupils were abducted in Oyo State, intensifying national concern over the persistent threat to school safety in Nigeria. Authorities say there is no conclusive evidence yet of a mass abduction in Iluke, but investigations are ongoing. The Kogi State Police Command said it “commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

In Edo State, three schools were also shut down after an intelligence report from the Department of State Services warned of planned kidnappings targeting children, especially in Edo North Senatorial District. The DSS formally requested increased security presence around affected schools. Similarly, Niger State authorities responded to threats by stepping up surveillance at learning centres.

Security agencies across affected states have intensified patrols and coordination with local vigilante groups. Education stakeholders warn that repeated closures could disrupt academic calendars and deepen fears among parents. As investigations continue, police have urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

Source: https://punchng.com/school-closures-spread-after-fresh-bandit-attack/