The Reno Omokri claim that an average Nigerian can survive on ₦3,000 daily has sparked criticism from Public Affairs Analyst Lanre Ogundipe, who argues that the figure does not reflect the country’s wider cost-of-living realities.
Omokri reportedly made the comment during a television appearance after visiting markets and examining the prices of food items such as yam, rice, maize and fruits. Based on his observations, he suggested that ₦3,000 could provide enough food for an average Nigerian for one day.
However, Ogundipe has challenged the position, saying the Reno Omokri claim focuses mainly on food prices while ignoring several other expenses that Nigerians face daily.
According to him, feeding is only one part of household expenditure. Nigerians must also find money for transportation, rent, cooking gas or firewood, water, electricity, communication, healthcare, education, debt repayment and other unexpected needs.
Ogundipe also referred to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which placed the average national cost of a healthy diet at ₦1,589 per adult per day in April 2026. He noted, however, that the figure did not include transportation or the cost of preparing meals.
He explained that national averages should not be treated as a standard measure for every Nigerian, especially because living expenses vary significantly between rural and urban communities. Income levels, family size and individual circumstances also determine how far a person’s money can go.
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The analyst further argued that transportation costs cannot be dismissed simply because some Nigerians walk to their destinations. He said walking may reduce financial expenses but often comes with a cost in time, energy and lost opportunities.
Ogundipe added that the ability of Nigerians to survive through hardship should not be mistaken for proof that the current cost of living is affordable. Many citizens are forced to eat less, delay medical treatment, borrow money, depend on relatives or postpone important needs in order to cope.
He also stressed that the cost of feeding one person should not be confused with the total daily expenses of a household. A family may need to provide food, transportation, school-related expenses and healthcare for several people from limited income.
The Reno Omokri claim, Ogundipe maintained, therefore requires a broader examination of the economic realities facing Nigerians. He said the central question should not be whether someone can manage to stretch ₦3,000 for a day, but whether the amount is genuinely sufficient to cover the daily needs of the average Nigerian.
He urged government representatives and public commentators to provide clear evidence showing that hardship is reducing, purchasing power is improving, transportation is becoming more affordable and poverty levels are declining.
According to him, Nigerians should not be encouraged to view severe economic hardship as something normal or easily manageable.
Ogundipe concluded that available evidence does not establish that ₦3,000 is adequate as a complete daily living allowance for the average Nigerian.
Lanre Ogundipe
Public Affairs Analyst and former President of the Nigeria and Africa Union of Journalists
Writes from Abuja