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Hardship: Top 10 Pocket-friendly Nigerian Meals

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2024

Editor

In Nigeria, where the cost of living can vary widely, finding nutritious and affordable meals is essential.

Whether you’re cooking at home or opting to purchase ready-made dishes, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

With N750 to N1500, you can purchase a variety of hearty Nigerian meals, from staples like Jollof rice to quick fixes like Indomie noodles with vegetables and a little more to prepare by yourself.

These meals not only provide the necessary nourishment but are also accessible, ensuring that eating well on a budget is within reach for many.

“Pocket friendly” is an informal term used to describe something affordable or reasonably priced.

It implies that the cost of the item or service won’t put a strain on your budget, making it easy to purchase without financial difficulty.

The PUNCH in a Thursday chat with a Kwara State-based food entrepreneur, Mrs Lateefat Alli-Oluwafuyi, said that health is wealth and good food translates into good health.

She stressed that one should rather try to feed well and stay healthy than get sick these days with the increase in drug prices and get effective treatment.

“The phrase “health is wealth” underscores the idea that good health is one of the most valuable assets a person can have. The absence of good health can significantly compromise all other aspects of life. A healthy body and mind are the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life.

“When we say good food translates into good health, we’re emphasising the critical role that nutrition plays in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The food we consume directly affects our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.”

With a cross-sectional survey done across the six zones, here are ten economic-friendly meal ideas in Nigeria that are both nutritious and easy on the pocket:

1. Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice
Ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, onions, pepper, oil, seasoning cubes.
Why: A staple in many Nigerian homes, Jollof rice is affordable and can be prepared with or without protein, making it adaptable to various budgets.

2. Beans and Plantain

Ingredients: Beans, ripe or unripe plantains, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Beans are an excellent source of protein and are quite affordable. Paired with plantains, it makes a filling meal.

3. Eba and Egusi Soup

Ingredients: Garri (for Eba), melon seeds, palm oil, vegetables, milk curds (wara), stockfish, or meat (optional).
Why: Egusi soup is rich and can be made with or without meat, depending on your budget. Eba (made from Garri) is inexpensive and filling.

4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)

Yam porridge | Sisi Jemimah

Ingredients: Yam, palm oil, pepper, onions, spinach or other leafy greens, seasoning.
Why: Yam porridge is a hearty and economical dish, especially when yams are in season.

5. Okra Soup and Fufu

Fufu with Okra soup
Fufu with Okra soup | African Food Network

Ingredients: Okra, palm oil, crayfish, pepper, seasoning, milk curds (wara), cassava flour (for Fufu).
Why: Okra is affordable and nutritious. Paired with Fufu, it creates a satisfying meal.

6. Beans and Corn Porridge (Adalu)

Ingredients: Beans, corn, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Combining beans and corn creates a protein-rich meal that’s both filling and affordable.

7. Noodles with Vegetables

Ingredients: Instant noodles, carrots, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, eggs (optional).
Why: Noodles are quick and cheap. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value without significantly increasing cost.

8. Acha (Fonio) Porridge

Ingredients: Acha grains, vegetables, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Acha is a lesser-known grain but is highly nutritious and can be cooked into a light porridge with minimal ingredients.

9. Moi Moi

Moi Moi Serious Eats
Moi Moi |Serious Eats
Ingredients: Beans, pepper, onions, oil, seasoning.
Why: Moi Moi is a versatile and protein-rich dish that can be eaten alone or as a side.

10. Fried Yam and Akara
Ingredients: Yam, beans (for Akara), oil, pepper, and onions.
Why: A popular street food combination that is inexpensive and can serve as a breakfast or light dinner.

These meals are not only cost-effective but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you can eat well on a budget.

Good food plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The nutrients we consume through a balanced diet—such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats—support our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.

Proper nutrition not only provides the energy needed for daily activities but also helps prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Additionally, a healthy diet positively impacts mental health, improves mood, and reduces stress.

By making nutritious food choices, we invest in our health, ensuring a longer, healthier life and the ability to handle life’s challenges with resilience.
PUNCH

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.