Ruth Kadiri Laments Soaring Cost of Living and Tomato Prices
Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has joined the chorus of Nigerians expressing deep frustration over the country’s current economic climate. In a video shared on her official Instagram page on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Kadiri highlighted the staggering rise in food prices, specifically noting that the cost of basic ingredients like tomatoes and pepper has become an “agonizing luxury.”
Reflecting on the psychological and financial strain of the current crisis, Kadiri remarked, “As a human being, I’m not known for complaining. But you see, the past couple of days have been so troubling for me. Because 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.”
She pointed out the stark disparity between market prices and the earnings of the average Nigerian, noting that spending N5,000 on just tomatoes and pepper is unsustainable for individuals earning between N25,000 and N50,000 monthly.
Expressing her fear that the economic pressure could fracture social cohesion, she added, “The cost of feeding, which is basic in Nigeria, is now so high. I don’t know if they want us to turn against ourselves because people that are not sensitive will start looking at ourselves as the enemies. What poverty does to people’s minds is like what cancer does to the mind, to the brain.”
Kadiri’s comments align with broader reports of food inflation across Nigeria, driven by seasonal production challenges and rising transportation costs. Agricultural experts had previously warned that the extreme heat experienced in the North during the May–June period would significantly impact tomato yields, leading to the current scarcity and price surges seen in major markets nationwide.
