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Arabian Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Pet‑food pinch forces Nigeria's middle class to ration
Dog owners across Nigeria are trimming meals and turning to homemade alternatives as soaring inflation and currency devaluation drive imported pet‑food costs up to levels equivalent to the national minimum wage. A crisis in livestock staples has now reached the country's urban pet economy. Inflation in Nigeria has surged since May 2023, when the government removed a long-standing fuel subsidy and devalued the naira. General inflation hit nearly 35% last December—the highest in 30 years—with a softer but still elevated annual rate of 23.7% observed by April 2025. Staple food prices are the main driver, pushing many households to adapt their diets; now the strain of elevated costs has extended to household pets. Pet‑food inflation has hit dog owners hard. A 15‑kilogram bag of imported kibble now commands up to 70,000 naira—equivalent to the monthly minimum wage—up from about 40,000 naira six months ago. For many urban middle‑class families, cooking for themselves is difficult enough; feeding a dog on top of that is emerging as an unsustainable luxury. ADVERTISEMENT Pet owners in cities like Lagos and Ibadan are increasingly replacing branded kibble with home‑cooked alternatives. Student Peter Anthony, based in Ibadan, described how his family now gives their German Shepherd, Flora, smaller rations of noodles and mixes of fish or egg to compensate for the inflated prices. Even amidst personal hardship, Anthony maintains healthcare for Flora, including vet visits—a reflection of the importance attached to companion animals across Nigeria's growing urban middle class. Pet‑food scarcity is already reshaping the business landscape. Importers and breeders are scaling back operations. Lagos‑based importer Sarah Mokelu reduced her trips to Russia from bi‑monthly to once every three months, limiting shipments to roughly six dogs per visit, citing limited breeder demand and high feeding costs. Akindele Olunloyo, CEO of Pet Lovers Nigeria, reports that all associated costs—permit fees, transport, food—have escalated, prompting a shift in his business model toward catering exclusively to high‑net‑worth clients who can afford both pets and imported feed. Some feed manufacturers are reaping the benefits of this shift. Local producers, once overshadowed by imported brands, are attracting a growing customer base. Theresa Iwhewhe, owner of a pet hospital and food‑production firm in Ibadan, says that demand for locally made pet food has surged as foreign‑manufactured kibble becomes unaffordable. Projections from research firm ReportLinker estimate that Nigeria's dog‑food imports could fall from about 1.3 million kg in 2023 to around 769,000 kg by 2028, signalling both shrinking foreign supply and a structural shift in the market. The ripple effects of economic strain extend beyond nutrition to animal welfare. Social‑media posts and NGO reports note a worrying uptick in pet abandonment or forced rehoming. Heart‑wrenching scenes of surrendered dogs in shelters are becoming more common. The financial stress of inflation is compelling individuals and families—already coping with steep food and fuel price rises—to make untenable choices. Government statistics highlight the systemic issues at play. Over 30% of Nigeria's more than 200 million population live under the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 a day. Food and non‑alcoholic beverages remain the largest contributor to headline inflation, with food‑price inflation in April hovering around 21.3% year‑on‑year. Following the withdrawal of subsidies and currency realignment, the cost of living has escalated sharply, underscoring how even relatively affluent urban households are struggling to meet basic needs. ADVERTISEMENT Experts warn that what started as human hardship is now threatening the nascent pet sector. The once‑lucrative market for dogs and pet services is faltering as feeding them becomes a financial burden. 'Feeding has humbled a lot of people,' lamented breeder Sarah Mokelu, reflecting a broader sentiment among pet owners. Those maintaining dogs now face a grim choice: ration nutrition, opt for cheaper—and often nutritionally deficient—alternatives, or relinquish pets altogether. Industry stakeholders are calling for a more sustainable, locally based pet‑food industry. The rise in demand for domestically produced kibble opens an opportunity for investment and innovation in this sector. Nutritionists emphasise that homemade diets must still address canine nutritional needs, or risk health issues. Discussions are underway among veterinary professionals and pet‑food entrepreneurs to develop balanced, affordable local feed formulations. Policymakers, however, are preoccupied with broader economic reforms and headline inflation rather than pet‑food affordability. Even so, the plight of pet owners illuminates the pervasiveness of the crisis. When middle‑class households must ration household pets, it signals a societal strain affecting all facets of domestic life. Local entrepreneurs — from breeders to vet‑clinics and feed‑manufacturers — are adapting rapidly. Some are blending local ingredients with supplements to mimic nutritional profiles of imported kibble. Others are offering smaller bag sizes to help owners manage costs without sacrificing quality. These efforts, though nascent, demonstrate resilience in facing economic adversity. The evolving pet‑food landscape underlines how inflation in Nigeria has far exceeded typical spending thresholds. When breadwinners ration meals, families reduce discretionary spending on pets too. As economic pressures persist, the nation's pet‑food consumers and providers must navigate a new normal: where companionship comes at a rising cost, and adaptability is key.
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Nigeria's dog owners hit with surging pet food prices amid cost-of-living crisis
Nigeria's two-year cost-of-living crisis, which has seen the price of grocery staples such as rice rise over 100% since 2023, has reached the relatively affluent class of dog owners, who are struggling to feed their pets because of soaring food costs. Keeping animals as pets is a recent trend in Nigerian society, where traditionally people were more likely to live with chicken or goats reared for food. Over the past two decades, there was a rise in the number of households in urban areas keeping pet dogs, often for security in a country plagued by violent crime, but also for companionship. No precise data are available on dog ownership, but a 2023 survey by research agency TGM Statbox indicated around 42% of Nigerians own pets. However, in a sign of economic hard times hitting across society, that is an increasingly expensive luxury. One dog owner, Peter Anthony, a student who lives with his parents in the southwestern city of Ibadan, said feeding his German Shepherd, Flora, was never previously a concern for the family. "Before the high cost of living saga, feeding her was easy," he said while waiting for Flora at a pet hospital where she had been treated for an ear condition. "But now, by the time you pick money from your pocket, you'd know something has left you."
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Nigeria's dog owners hit with surging pet food prices amid cost of living crisis
Keeping animals as pets is a recent trend in Nigerian society. Photo: 123rf By Ben Ezeamalu , Reuters Nigeria's two-year-old cost of living crisis, which has seen the price of grocery staples like rice rise over 100 percent since 2023, has reached the relatively affluent class of dog owners, who are struggling to feed their pets because of soaring food costs. Keeping animals as pets is a recent trend in Nigerian society, where traditionally people were more likely to live with chicken or goats reared for food. Over the past two decades, there was a rise in the number of households in urban areas keeping pet dogs, often for security in a country plagued by violent crime, but also for companionship. No precise data are available on dog ownership, but a 2023 survey by research agency TGM Statbox indicated that around 42 percent of Nigerians own pets. However, in a sign of economic hard times hitting across society, that is an increasingly expensive luxury. One dog owner, Peter Anthony, a student who lives with his parents in the southwestern city of Ibadan, said feeding his German Shepherd, Flora, was never previously a concern for the family. "Before the whole high cost of living saga, feeding her was so easy," he said, waiting for Flora at a pet hospital where she had been treated for an ear condition. "But now, by the time you pick out that money from your pocket, you'd know that something has left you," he said. The family now feeds Flora a smaller daily ration of noodles mixed with fish or eggs, Anthony said. Flora's owners are among the lucky ones who are still able to keep their dog healthy, even footing vets' bills. In a crisis that began when government removed a fuel subsidy and devalued the naira currency in May 2023, inflation has been in double digit territory, hitting 34.80 percent last December, the highest in three decades, before easing to 23.71% in April. Latest World Bank data shows that 31 percent of Nigeria's more than 200 million citizens live below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. While pet owners are not among the country's poorest, they are feeling the pinch. Some dog breeders say they are reducing their activity because so many pet owners are struggling. Sarah Mokelu, who has a business importing dogs from Russia, has reduced the frequency of her trips there to about once every three months, from twice a month previously, because of surging prices and a drop in sales. During her twice a month trips, she said she would bring between 15 and 20 dogs. Now, during her last trip in May, she brought in six dogs. "Feeding has really humbled a lot of people," said Mokelu, 63, at her home in the Ejigbo neighbourhood of Lagos. "There was a feed we bought about six months ago for 40,000 naira ($25.70), now we're buying for 70,000 naira." This price, for a 15-kg (33-lb) bag, is the same as the country's minimum monthly wage of 70,000 naira. Akindele Olunloyo, CEO of a dog importing company called Pet Lovers Nigeria, said all of his costs - animals, food, transport, permits, airport fees - had risen so much that he had changed his business model. Olunloyo runs an online platform that helps Nigerians buy and sell pets. He said 90% of the people on the site were interested in buying and selling dogs at a price range of 20,000 to 100,000 naira, well below the price he might charge for an imported dog, which could be in the 300,000-500,000 naira range. "I now import only for clients who are interested in buying their own food, high net worth Nigerians who place specific orders," he said. Several breeders said they had switched from imported dog foods to cheaper alternatives, like mixing rice or noodles with fish eggs. As imported dog food has become unaffordable for many, business has improved for local pet food producers. "People not being able to afford the foreign kibbles ... made people to look in our direction," said Theresa Iwhewhe, who owns a pet hospital and pet food producing company in Ibadan. There is hardly any data on locally produced pet foods. But research firm ReportLinker says imports into Nigeria are expected to decline to 769,000 kg by 2028, down from around 1.3 million kg in 2023. - Reuters
Reuters
10-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Nigeria's dog owners hit with surging pet food prices amid cost of living crisis
IBADAN, Nigeria, June 10 (Reuters) - Nigeria's two-year-old cost of living crisis, which has seen the price of grocery staples like rice rise over 100% since 2023, has reached the relatively affluent class of dog owners, who are struggling to feed their pets because of soaring food costs. Keeping animals as pets is a recent trend in Nigerian society, where traditionally people were more likely to live with chicken or goats reared for food. Over the past two decades, there was a rise in the number of households in urban areas keeping pet dogs, often for security in a country plagued by violent crime, but also for companionship. No precise data are available on dog ownership, but a 2023 survey by research agency TGM Statbox indicated that around 42% of Nigerians own pets. However, in a sign of economic hard times hitting across society, that is an increasingly expensive luxury. One dog owner, Peter Anthony, a student who lives with his parents in the southwestern city of Ibadan, said feeding his German Shepherd, Flora, was never previously a concern for the family. "Before the whole high cost of living saga, feeding her was so easy," he said, waiting for Flora at a pet hospital where she had been treated for an ear condition. "But now, by the time you pick out that money from your pocket, you'd know that something has left you," he said. The family now feeds Flora a smaller daily ration of noodles mixed with fish or eggs, Anthony said. Flora's owners are among the lucky ones who are still able to keep their dog healthy, even footing vets' bills. In a crisis that began when government removed a fuel subsidy and devalued the naira currency in May 2023, inflation has been in double digit territory, hitting 34.80% last December, the highest in three decades, before easing to 23.71% in April. Latest World Bank data shows that 31% of Nigeria's more than 200 million citizens live below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. While pet owners are not among the country's poorest, they are feeling the pinch. Some dog breeders say they are reducing their activity because so many pet owners are struggling. Sarah Mokelu, who has a business importing dogs from Russia, has reduced the frequency of her trips there to about once every three months, from twice a month previously, because of surging prices and a drop in sales. During her twice a month trips, she said she would bring between 15 and 20 dogs. Now, during her last trip in May, she brought in six dogs. "Feeding has really humbled a lot of people," said Mokelu, 63, at her home in the Ejigbo neighbourhood of Lagos. "There was a feed we bought about six months ago for 40,000 naira ($25.70), now we're buying for 70,000 naira." This price, for a 15-kg (33-lb) bag, is the same as the country's minimum monthly wage of 70,000 naira. Akindele Olunloyo, CEO of a dog importing company called Pet Lovers Nigeria, said all of his costs - animals, food, transport, permits, airport fees - had risen so much that he had changed his business model. Olunloyo runs an online platform that helps Nigerians buy and sell pets. He said 90% of the people on the site were interested in buying and selling dogs at a price range of 20,000 to 100,000 naira, well below the price he might charge for an imported dog, which could be in the 300,000-500,000 naira range. "I now import only for clients who are interested in buying their own food, high net worth Nigerians who place specific orders," he said. Several breeders said they had switched from imported dog foods to cheaper alternatives, like mixing rice or noodles with fish eggs. As imported dog food has become unaffordable for many, business has improved for local pet food producers. "People not being able to afford the foreign kibbles ... made people to look in our direction," said Theresa Iwhewhe, who owns a pet hospital and pet food producing company in Ibadan. There is hardly any data on locally produced pet foods. But research firm ReportLinker says imports into Nigeria are expected to decline to 769,000 kg by 2028, down from around 1.3 million kg in 2023. ($1 = 1,558.3100 naira)
Gulf Insider
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Art Society Announces Winners Of "Concordia"
The Bahrain Art Society has officially revealed the results of its highly anticipated 'Concordia' photography competition, a celebration of visual harmony and artistic serenity. The contest invited photographers to capture the spirit of unity through their lenses, and the results did not disappoint. Held under the theme of 'Concordia,' meaning harmony and peaceful coexistence, the competition drew a remarkable array of submissions. From serene compositions to thought-provoking perspectives, each entry offered a unique lens through which the artwork was celebrated. Winners Announced in Two Distinct Categories In the Mobile Photography Category, the top honors went to: First Place: Peter Anthony Second Place: Hasan Ramzi Third Place: Jeet Prakash Meanwhile, in the Professional Photography Category, the winners were: First Place: Fadhi Muhammed Second Place: Nader Abazzaz Third Place: Syed Human Peeran The Bahrain Art Society extended its heartfelt gratitude to all participants for sharing their artistic vision and for portraying the essence of the exhibition through their creative eyes. The competition not only showcased technical skill but also served as a platform for cultural reflection and dialogue. 'Congratulations to all the winners,' said a spokesperson from the Society. 'We look forward to continuing to inspire creativity and celebrate the diverse talent in our artistic community.' With this successful edition of 'Concordia,' the Bahrain Art Society reaffirms its commitment to nurturing artistic expression and spotlighting voices that contribute to Bahrain's vibrant cultural landscape. Also read: Bahrain: Driver Remanded For Reckless Wrong-Way Driving That Endangered Lives And Property
