Rising meat prices in Lagos are forcing many households and food vendors to cut consumption and seek cheaper protein alternatives as transportation costs, insecurity and livestock supply challenges continue to drive up prices.
Lagos – Residents across Lagos State have expressed concern over the persistent rise in meat prices, warning that the increasing cost is placing essential sources of protein beyond the reach of many households.
The sharp increase in the prices of beef, goat meat and frozen chicken has forced several families to cut back on consumption and turn to cheaper alternatives such as fish and eggs.
Checks across major Lagos markets indicate that beef prices have surged significantly over the past year, placing additional strain on household budgets and altering dietary habits.
A kilogramme of beef, which sold for between N5,000 and N6,500 in some Lagos markets in 2025, now costs between N7,500 and N9,500 depending on the cut and location.
Goat meat has also witnessed a steep rise, with medium-sized portions now selling for between N10,000 and N15,000 compared to between N7,000 and N10,000 last year.
Similarly, the price of a carton of frozen chicken has climbed from between N32,000 and N38,000 to between N52,000 and N65,000 in many markets across the state.
Meat sellers and industry stakeholders attributed the increases to rising transportation costs, insecurity affecting livestock movement from northern Nigeria and growing animal feed expenses.
The Lagos State Butchers Association linked the development to insecurity, escalating logistics costs and delays in local ranching initiatives.
The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed that the price of cows in Lagos had risen sharply to N2.5 million from N1.7 million recorded in 2025.
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