Nursing Mothers in Abuja Face High Cost of Baby Food and Diapers

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), nursing mothers are expressing their concerns about the high cost of baby foods and diapers.

The prices of these essential items have been on the rise, causing a significant strain on the budgets of many families.

According to recent interviews with several nursing mothers in Abuja, the cost of baby foods like NAN, Lactogen, and Peak has increased substantially in the past year.

For instance, NAN milk, which was sold for ₦3,400 in mid-2023, is now priced at ₦5,700. Similarly, Lactogen and Peak have seen significant price increases, making them unaffordable for many families.

As a result of these rising costs, some nursing mothers have turned to alternative options such as making pap from locally produced soya milk for their babies.

This not only reduces the financial burden but also encourages the use of locally sourced products.

The situation is no different for baby diapers. Moflix jumbo diapers, which used to be sold at ₦19,500 for a pack of three, have now increased to ₦22,500.

Other brands range from ₦18,000 to ₦25,000 for packs of three.

These price hikes have forced many mothers to opt for cheaper alternatives, with some sellers adapting their stock to accommodate the change in demand.

However, the overall impact on the well-being and health of babies is a growing concern.

While some mothers are considering exclusive breast feeding as a more affordable option, not all mothers can rely solely on breast milk to meet their babies’ nutritional needs.

The government and relevant stakeholders must address this issue and find ways to make baby food and diapers more affordable for nursing mothers in Abuja and across Nigeria.