A Nigerian man living in the United States was billed $140 for two plates of Egusi soup with pounded yam, highlighting growing concerns over the soaring cost of African food abroad.

The incident, captured in a video shared on X by Oyindamola on Tuesday, has drawn attention to the steep prices charged by some African restaurants to diaspora customers.

In the video, the man, expressing his anger, lamented that African food sellers deliberately inflate prices, especially when selling to fellow Nigerians.

“Tell me why I have to pay $40 excluding tax and tips for a plate of Egusi and small pounded yams that can’t even fill me up? Other people sell theirs for less than $15, and you are charging $40,” he complained.

The man explained that during his visit to an African restaurant yesterday, he was billed $140 for two plates of Egusi and pounded yams. When he demanded a breakdown, he was told the actual price per plate was $40, with additional charges for tax and tips.

“I went to buy food yesterday. Two plates of Egusi and pounded yams. You are charging me a hundred and something. I ask you why. You say it’s plus tax and tips. How much is the food itself? You say it’s $40. $40 for a plate of food, not gold.”

The man further criticised restaurants charging above $20 per plate, arguing that location or ambience alone should not justify such inflated prices.

With the US minimum wage hovering under $15 per hour, he noted that purchasing two plates a day could easily exceed $100, creating a nearly impossible situation for many Nigerians wanting to maintain their culinary traditions while living abroad.

The issue has sparked wide discussions on social media, with users pointing out the stark disparity in pricing compared with other ethnic cuisines.

Sir Chucho (@ChuchoMaine) highlighted the problem, tweeting: “Nigerian restaurants abroad will use greed and overcharging to run down their businesses. They need to learn from the Chinese and Spanish ones. Nigerian restaurants will sell a plate of rice and 2 meat for $20. Chinese and Spanish restaurants will do for $10.”

Other diaspora Nigerians are adapting by finding alternatives. Coded_bruh (@codedbruhh) advised, “If you live abroad, buy ingredients at farmer’s markets or Asian markets… If you chop outside for Nigerian restaurants, dem go empty your wallet. Me pay $50 or £40 for ordinary jollof rice? Tahh!”

Meanwhile, @samoalfred shared: “I have since stopped patronising those shylock food sellers. It is much cheaper to buy raw foodstuffs directly from Nigeria and prepare a variety of Nigerian meals at home. They can keep their food. Lol.”

The problem is not limited to the US. In the UK, in a YouTube video, Nigerian Melissa Oti disclosed spending £502 (about 1 million naira) on African groceries in June 2025, illustrating how imported ingredients and limited supply drive up costs.

Similarly, Ife Nkili on Threads, highlighted the discrepancy with other ethnic cuisines, noting: “A plate of Chinese food costs £18.50, Indian food £19, but Nigerian food goes as high as £35. This price gap makes it difficult for Nigerians abroad to enjoy traditional meals regularly.”

The soaring prices underscore a broader challenge for Nigerians living overseas: maintaining cultural connections through food has become increasingly expensive.

While diaspora communities seek to celebrate their heritage, the inflated cost of traditional dishes forces many to reconsider how they access and enjoy their native cuisine.

As discussions continue online, it is clear that both restaurant owners and consumers face a growing need for balance, fair pricing for traditional food and sustainable ways for Nigerians abroad to keep their culinary traditions alive.

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Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has joined wishers paying tributes from across the globe to the renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, who turned 48 on Monday.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Obi celebrated Adichie as a “literary Amazon” and a beacon of inspiration for generations of Nigerians and Africans.

He praised her profound contributions to literature, feminism, and cultural discourse.

“Chimamanda has blossomed into a true literary giant, whose writings enrich global literature while uplifting humanity. She has used her extraordinary gift to tell our stories with dignity and raise new generations of storytellers.

“Through her writings and literary workshops, she continues to shape young minds, encouraging them to dream boldly, think critically, and wield words as instruments of truth and transformation, Obi said.

Chimamanda gained global recognition for her literary works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, which have earned her international acclaim, including the MacArthur Fellowship.

The former Anambra State governor described Chimamanda as a storyteller and voice for the voiceless, known for her resilience.

He wrote, “Her greatness is measured not merely by international acclaim, but also by the way she honours her roots. I was especially moved when she returned to her alma mater and reconnected with her teachers, even from her primary school days.

“In that simple yet profound act, she reminded us all that the journey forward is strongest when anchored in gratitude to the past—when we acknowledge those who shaped us and draw strength from the foundations that nurtured us.”

Obi prayed for her increased wisdom, joy, and strength in the years ahead

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Zita has taken over the Head of House title in Big Brother Naija Season 10, dethroning Koyin barely 24 hours after he secured the position in Week eight.

The Monday HOH challenge featured Faith, Thelma Lawson, Bright Morgan, Zita, and Kola, the same contestants who made it to the final round on Sunday.

After a tense contest, Zita outlasted her rivals, snatching the crown from Koyin.

For her new reign, Zita selected Kola as her guest to share the HOH lounge benefits.

This is the second time Zita has dethroned an interim HOH, having previously unseated Doris in Week Four.

Notably, Rooboy was her guest during her earlier reign in Week Four, showing she continues to keep him close in her game strategy.

Koyin, who emerged HOH for Week Eight on Sunday after outperforming Faith, Bright Morgan, Kola, Thelma Lawson, and Zita in a two-part competition, had chosen Jason Jae as his lounge partner.

His reign, however, was cut short by Zita’s victory.

Earlier, Koyin read out this week’s brief to the house, revealing the theme “Flying Solo.” Housemates are required to focus on self-discovery while working in pairs to prepare cultural presentations on selected Nigerian states.

The success of the wager will determine their food supply for next week.

Meanwhile, Faith was announced as the Most Influential Player, granting him automatic immunity for the week.

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