Traders Quote New Price for Toothpaste, Nigerians Switch to Chewing Stick

• The rising cost of living in the country has also affected the hygiene needs of Nigerian households
• A new market survey shows that the price of toothpaste in Nigeria has surged by up to 40%, with a standard tube now costing over N1,000
• These new prices have forced many Nigerians, especially Plateau residents, to seek cheaper alternatives like chewing sticks

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

These are challenging times for Nigerians as rising inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, and naira's depreciation continue to put immense pressure on Nigerian households.

The latest adjustments citizens are being forced to make are on oral care products.

Check by Legit.ng showed sachet toothpaste, which previously sells for between N30 and N50, now goes for above N60 to N70, depending on the brand.

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Similarly, BusinessDay reports that buying family-size toothpaste now costs between N1,200 and N2,500, compared to a previous price of N500 to N1,000.

Fatima, a local shopkeeper and mother of three in Rantiya, Jos, was quoted as saying:

“I used to buy toothpaste every month without thinking twice. Now it’s a luxury."

According to Vanguard, an average Nigerian family will likely spend N5,000 on toothpaste that may not last two weeks.

Nigerians switch to chewing sticks

This price change has forced Nigerians to consider chewing sticks for oral care.

Adunni Hungbo, a trader, shared her experience:

“My toothpaste finished a few weeks ago. When I got to the shop, I was told the brand of toothpaste I use is now N2,000. I almost fainted. I had bought it for N1,500 just last month.

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"I was so upset, but I couldn’t switch to another brand because I have a tooth problem, so I left the shop. As I was heading home, I saw a woman selling herbs, and it hit me— with just N100, I could buy a chewing stick that would work as a replacement for the toothpaste."

Why chewing stick?

Chewing sticks, often made from natural materials like neem, guava, etc, have long been a traditional means of maintaining oral hygiene in many Nigerian cultures.

These sticks are not only affordable but also said to come with several health benefits.

Chewing sticks are ordinarily from plants with rich medicinal values, and families of old insisted members compulsorily use them every morning.

Pharmacists give new price of drugs

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the cost of essential medication at pharmacies nationwide continues to rise, placing additional strain on Nigerians' access to healthcare.

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This follows the existence of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a British healthcare and multinational biotech firm from Nigeria, after 51 years of operations.

Another pharmaceutical company that left Nigeria in the past year is Sanofi-Aventis, the producer of polio vaccines for children, among other products.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng