Nigeria is tough, guys. Ten years ago, you could buy a tuber of yam for less than ₦1,000, but today, even ₦2,000 might not be enough to get one. And if you do manage to buy it, it won’t last more than two or three days. The exchange rate is wild—right now, the dollar fluctuates between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700. Prices of gas and other essentials keep rising.But let’s be real—if you had just ₦2,000 in your pocket right now, what could you buy to truly satisfy your hunger? You need to be smart with your spending. Junk food will drain your money fast, leaving you with nothing, and worst of all, it won’t even keep you full. As a student, you might be tempted to grab biscuits or a Coke, but the truth is, they lack the nutrients your body needs. You’ll end up feeling hungry again in no time, still searching for something to eat.This post is for anyone struggling like me. Below are some tips to help you make the most of your money and stay full for longer.
1. Choose Staple Foods That Last (₦300–₦700 per meal)
Some foods are cheap, filling, and versatile, meaning you can eat them in different ways without getting bored. Here are my go-to staples.
You can eat some food without getting bored and that is the truth. They keep you full for the day and give you strength throughout your daily activity and especially if you are a student. (Being a student is demanding and lecturers don’t care if you faint or not they care about their course and their own well being). They are enjoyable and delicious and kind of cheap. In our next meeting I may show you how to prepare some cheap meals but for now let focus on cheap and affordable.
Photo Credit: Image by @milaavb07
Rice (₦1,000 per kg, ₦200 per cup)
photo credit: image by @olivemagazine
Almost everyone loves rice. It is cheap and versatile(can be eaten with most food) and affordable. It is a common choice in many households. It can be eaten with rice beans and stew fish. Rice is easy to cook, stores well, and provides carbohydrates, which supply energy for daily activities. It’s also a staple in most Nigerian households, making it an essential budget-friendly option.
Beans (₦800 per kg, ₦200 per cup)
photo credit: image by @cookingwithpree
Beans are a protein-packed food that keeps you full for hours. They can be mixed with garri (dried cassava), rice, and even fish. Almost everyone loves beans, and I’m no exception. I can’t remember the last time I cooked rice without beans—it’s just a must! Without beans, rice alone doesn’t really fill you up. In my area, beans are pretty affordable. With just ₦500, you can buy enough to last you until the next day.To cook it right, I usually use palm oil, crayfish, and fresh pepper (though dried pepper works just fine if that’s what you have). While we have both brown and white beans, I personally prefer the white variety because it’s cheaper and still tastes great. Beans are an essential part of a balanced diet, and they’re definitely a staple in my meals.
Garri (₦500 per kg, ₦100 per cup)
Who doesn’t love garri? I can’t even remember the last time I left the house without eating it. Garri is a staple for most Nigerians, and it’s just one of those foods that everyone seems to love. You can eat it soaked in cold water with groundnut (peanut) and sugar, and if you’re in the mood for something different, you can add milk (though that’s optional).
Garri is the go-to food when you’re hungry, especially when you don’t have access to proper meals. But what exactly is it made of, and what benefits does it offer?Garri is made from cassava, specifically dried cassava, and it’s packed with carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Seriously, who wouldn’t like that? 😲
Garri can also be turned into eba, which is a popular Nigerian dish that’s often enjoyed with soups like afang or ewedu. The beauty of garri is its versatility and how it can give you energy to power through the day. So, make sure you buy some garri because it’s not just filling, it’s full of goodness! 🤗
Yam (₦1,500 per tuber, ₦400 per serving)
photo credit: image by @cheflolaskitchen
Yam is one of those foods that almost everyone loves. It’s a great alternative to rice and it fills you up just as much, if not more. Whether you boil it, fry it, or pound it into pounded yam, it’s always satisfying. I personally can’t go a week without having yam in one form or another.
Yam is usually a bit more expensive than rice, but it’s worth it. For just about #1500, you can get a good serving of yam that’ll keep you full for a while. I love boiling mine and pairing it with some peppered sauce or stew, or even frying it into yam chips when I feel like snacking. And if you want to make it into pounded yam, it goes perfectly with soups like egusi, vegetable, or ogbono. Yam is not just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients that your body needs for energy. So if you haven’t had yam in a while, trust me, you’re missing out!
2. Get Protein Without Overspending (₦500–₦700 per meal)
Sweet potatoes are one of the best things you can buy if you’re on a budget. They’re cheap, filling, and taste amazing no matter how you cook them. You can boil them, fry them, or even roast them—it’s up to you. And the best part? They’re naturally sweet, so you don’t even need much seasoning to enjoy them.
For just ₦150, you can get a solid serving that will keep you full for hours. I personally love boiling mine and eating them with palm oil or stew. Sometimes, when I feel like switching things up, I fry them and enjoy them with pepper sauce. They’re also packed with fiber, vitamins, and energy-giving carbs, so you’re not just eating for taste—you’re eating healthy too. If you’re looking for a cheap but satisfying food, sweet potatoes should definitely be on your list!.
Total Daily Staple Cost: ₦600–₦900
2. Get Protein Without Overspending (₦500–₦700 per meal)
Protein is essential, but meat and fish can be expensive. Here’s how I get enough protein without overspending. Sometimes you just can’t get them without exhausting your money. You have to be strategic when considering protein. There are other options to get protein. They are cheaper but they still offer you the same nutrients like that of the fish and meat, they still do the same work.
Here’s how I get enough protein without overspending:
Eggs (₦100 per egg, ₦1,500 per crate of 30)
Eggs are hands down one of the best things you can buy when you’re trying to eat on a budget. At just ₦100 per egg, they’re super affordable and pack a punch when it comes to protein. You can get a whole crate of 30 eggs for only ₦1,500, which is a great deal considering how much you can do with them.
I buy them occasionally—whether I’m scrambling them for breakfast, making an omelette, or adding them to my rice or beans. They’re versatile, quick to cook, and can be paired with almost anything. Plus, they’re loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. If you’re serious about getting stronger or just need a solid, filling meal, eggs should definitely be in your kitchen.
Groundnut/Peanuts (₦300 per cup)
photo credit: image by @gardenknowhow
Groundnuts (peanuts) are a great, affordable snack at just ₦300 per cup. They’re packed with protein and healthy fats, making them perfect for an energy boost. You can enjoy them on their own or mix them with garri for an extra protein kick.
Soybeans (₦800 per kg, ₦200 per serving)
Soybeans are a solid choice if you’re looking for a cheap, high-protein food. At ₦800 per kg, they’re one of the best plant-based protein sources you can get. You can blend them into meals, use them for soy milk, or even mix them with other foods to stay full longer. If you find them in your area, they’re definitely worth adding to your diet.
Small Meat/Fish( African Grilled Catfish)(₦500–₦700 per portion)
Have you ever seen this fish. This is every Nigerian favourite fish. Put one in your food and it changes everything including the taste and it aroma. I used to eat it raw but you know one day I tried adding one in my boiling rice on gas and the result was just unreal like that of Disney world. Till date I can’t forget the aroma mingled with other ingredients. But what exactly is African grilled catfish. Read this 👉
African grilled catfish is made from fresh catfish, marinated with pepper, garlic, ginger, salt, seasoning, and lemon juice, then grilled over an open flame. It’s smoky, spicy, and best enjoyed with roasted plantain, yam, or pepper sauce.
This is just the best choice when it comes to cheap protein and won’t regret it🤗.
Total Daily Protein Cost: ₦500–₦700
3. Use Affordable Vegetables & Oils (₦200–₦500 per meal)
Some vegetables are both nutritious and budget-friendly, making them perfect for daily meals. Options like ugu (fluted pumpkin), spinach, and waterleaf are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used in soups or stir-fries. Onions and tomatoes are essential for flavoring meals, especially stews.
For cooking, palm oil and vegetable oil are the best affordable choices. Using them sparingly helps stretch your budget while keeping your meals tasty and nutritious. Below are the budget friendly vegetable you can get in your area.
Ugu (₦100 per bunch), Spinach (₦150 per bunch), Waterleaf (₦100 per bunch)
This is ugwu leaf. I hope you recognise it🫡
This is water leaf.
This is spinach.
Who doesn’t love fresh vegetables? Ugu, spinach, and waterleaf are some of the cheapest and most nutritious greens you can get. They’re perfect for soups, stir-fries, and even a quick sauce. With just ₦100–₦150, you can get a bunch that will add color and flavor to your meals. Plus, they are packed with vitamins to keep you healthy.
Onions (₦200 for 3–4 pieces) & Tomatoes (₦700 per basket, ₦100 per serving)
This is onions. It can be gotten from anywhere
tomatoes
Onions and tomatoes? You can’t cook without them! Onions add flavor to everything, while tomatoes are the base of most stews and sauces. They’re a must-have in any kitchen, and luckily, they’re affordable.
Palm Oil (₦1,500 per liter, ₦200 per meal)
photo credit: image by @beeffordinner
Palm oil is a must-have in the kitchen. It adds flavor and color to meals, especially soups and stews. But too much isn’t good, so I use it sparingly to make it last. A little goes a long way!
Total Daily Vegetable & Oil Cost: ₦200–₦500
4. Avoid Expensive & Unnecessary Foods
To stretch ₦2,000 daily, I avoid foods that waste money:
❌ Packaged snacks (₦300–₦500 each) – Don’t fill you up and are overpriced.
❌ Soft drinks & bottled juice (₦200–₦400 each) – Water is free and healthier.
❌ Processed foods (₦700 per pack of instant noodles) – They’re okay sometimes but shouldn’t be a daily meal.
❌ Too much bread (₦800 per loaf, ₦200 per serving) – Doesn’t keep you full for long.
5. 7-Day ₦2,000 Per Day Meal Plan
Follow this meal plan!
Day 1
Breakfast: Garri + Groundnut (₦300)
Lunch: Rice + Beans + Palm Oil (₦700)
Dinner: Yam + Egg Sauce (₦900)
Day 2
Breakfast: Bread + Groundnut (₦300)
Lunch: Eba + Okro Soup + Small Fish (₦800)
Dinner: Rice + Stew (₦900)
Day 3
Breakfast: Boiled Sweet Potatoes + Fried Egg (₦400)
Lunch: Rice + Stew + 1 Piece of Meat (₦900)
Dinner: Beans + Garri (₦700)
Day 4
Breakfast: Akamu (Pap) + Moi Moi (₦400)
Lunch: Rice + Stew + 1 Piece of Meat (₦900)
Dinner: Yam Porridge + Vegetables (₦700)
Day 5
Breakfast: Bread + Fried Egg (₦400)
Lunch: Rice + Beans (₦800)
Dinner: Eba + Vegetable Soup (₦800)
Day 6
Breakfast: Garri + Groundnut (₦300)
Lunch: Rice + Stew + 1 Piece of Meat (₦900)
Dinner: Boiled Yam + Egg Sauce (₦800)
Day 7
Breakfast: Bread + Groundnut (₦300)
Lunch: Eba + Okro Soup + Fish (₦800)
Dinner: Rice + Beans (₦900)
How This Helps:
✅ Balances carbs, protein, and vegetables.
✅ Keeps costs within ₦2,000 per day.
✅ Uses staple foods available in Nigeria.
✅ Flexible—you can swap meals based on preference.
Final Thoughts
Managing ₦2,000 per day for food isn’t easy, but it’s possible with careful planning. By focusing on cheap staples, affordable protein, and fresh vegetables, I can eat well without breaking the bank. The key is to buy in bulk, avoid unnecessary foods, and cook smartly.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to share with friends.🫡
