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  • Food prices falls in November 2025 – NBS

    Food prices falls in November 2025 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of major food items, including rice, beans, garri, tomatoes and onions, fell slightly in November 2025.

    The NBS disclosed this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for November 2025, released in Abuja on Monday.

    According to the report, the average price of 1kg of local rice dropped 5.00 per cent year-on-year to N1,861.95 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the price of rice also decreased by 2.71 per cent from N1,913.78 recorded in October 2025.”

    The report showed the average price of 1kg of brown beans declined by 43.14 per cent year-on-year to N1,547.03 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the price also fell by 12.13 per cent from N1,760.53 recorded in October 2025.”

    It stated that the average price of 1kg of white garri fell by 32.00 per cent year-on-year to N819.70 in November 2025.

    “Also on a month-on-month basis, the price decreased by 3.19 per cent from N846.69 recorded in October 2025.”

    The NBS said the average price of 1kg of tomatoes dropped by 15.57 per cent year-on-year to N1,243.02 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of tomato decreased by 2.06 per cent from N1,269.17 recorded in October 2025.”

    The report added that the average price of 1kg of onions fell by 29.03 per cent year-on-year to N1,332.77 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of onions decreased by 2.60 per cent from N1,368.32 recorded in October 2025.”

    However, the average price of one litre of palm oil rose 1.70 per cent year-on-year to N2,508.73 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, it decreased by 1.70 per cent from N2,537.90 recorded in October 2025.”

    State analysis showed Kogi recorded the highest rice price at N2,159.99, while Bauchi posted the lowest at N1,237.81.

    Read Also: Food prices in Lagos, others ease

    Imo recorded the highest brown beans price at N2,174.39, while Adamawa recorded the lowest at N725.

    Bayelsa had the highest white garri price at N1,164.28, while Plateau recorded the lowest at N487.31.

    Imo recorded the highest tomato price at N2,010.70, while Plateau posted the lowest at N684.38.

    Abia recorded the highest onion price at N2,300.76, while Kwara recorded the lowest at N826.56.

    Enugu recorded the highest palm oil price at N2,508.73, while Taraba recorded the lowest at N2,050.

    By zone, the average rice price was highest in the North-Central at N2,019.45 and lowest in the North-East at N1,608.54.

    The South-East and South-South recorded the highest brown beans prices, while the North-East recorded the lowest at N982.79.

    The South-East recorded the highest white garri price, while the North-Central posted the lowest at N626.36.

    The NBS said the South-East and South-South recorded the highest tomato prices, while the North-West recorded the lowest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu, in September 2025, ordered measures to reduce food prices nationwide.

    (NAN)

  • Food prices in Lagos, others ease

    Food prices in Lagos, others ease

    Food price pressures are showing early signs of easing this January as the country moves into a year although relief remains uneven and fragile, with key staples such as rice and eggs still climbing, according to the Lagos Food Price Tracker and recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    After peaking at a record 40.87 per cent in June 2024, national food inflation slowed steadily through 2025, cooling to 10.84 per cent by December, NBS figures showed. The deceleration reflects improved harvest outcomes, better internal logistics, and a partial stabilisation of supply chains, even as exchange-rate pressures and import costs continue to influence market prices.

    The December 2025 Lagos Food Price Tracker captured the seasonal strain associated with the festive period, when demand typically spikes. A 50-kilogramme bag of imported long-grain rice sold for about N70,000, roughly 14 per cent higher than short-grain rice at N60,000, a gap traders attributed to brand preferences and elevated import bills.

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    Garri emerged as one of the few staples offering relative stability, with both white and yellow varieties holding at N1,200 per paint bucket, although premium Ijebu garri traded higher at about N1,500, representing a 25 per cent premium.

    Protein sources remained under pressure, with a crate of medium-sized eggs averaging N5,600 amid persistent poultry feed constraints, while a medium-sized yam tuber sold for around N2,500.

    Post-holiday price corrections became visible by mid-January 2026, particularly in fresh produce. Tomatoes declined to about N650 per kilogram from approximately N800 in December as supplies from northern producing belts normalised, according to market surveys cited by the Lagos Food Price Tracker. Pepper prices also softened, with shombo falling to around N1,200 per kilogram from a uniform N1,500 during the festive peak, easing the cost of household cooking staples.

    In contrast, dry staples showed little sign of retreat. Imported long-grain rice edged higher to about N71,000 per 50-kilogramme bag in some Lagos markets, while egg prices climbed further to as much as N5,850 per crate.

    White garri remained unchanged at ₦1,200 per paint bucket, which the Tracker described as a “vital cushion” for low-income households amid continued food cost volatility.

    NBS price statistics highlight the longer-term arc behind these movements. Food inflation averaged between 14 and 16 percent in the early part of the 2021–2025 period before accelerating sharply past 20 percent in 2024, driven by currency depreciation, higher energy costs, and supply disruptions. Toward the end of 2025, several food categories began to reverse course.

    The NBS recorded a 1.57 per cent month-on-month decline in maize prices in September, while pepper prices fell by between 20 and 25 per cent. Local rice prices averaged ₦1,913.78 per kilogramme by October, representing a 2.01 percent year-on-year decline from ₦1,944.64. Beans, which had surged by more than 200 per cent year-on-year to over ₦2,000 per kilogramme by May 2024, also moderated, alongside fish prices that fell by about 12.5 per cent.

    Economists attributed the current easing largely to seasonal “Green January” harvest effects, with tomato basket prices reportedly falling from between ₦6,000 and ₦7,000 late last year to around ₦5,000–₦5,500 in early 2026.

    However, they cautioned that continued dependence on imports for rice, poultry inputs, and other staples leaves domestic prices vulnerable to global market movements and currency fluctuations.

  • As cynics rage over collapsing food prices

    As cynics rage over collapsing food prices

    I felt for former Edo State governor and current Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, after the barrage of verbal attacks unleashed on him by uncouth social media warriors during the week. His offence? He granted an interview on a television station, wherein he stated that some Nigerians were saying that food items had become too cheap.

    Responding to a question as to whether the radical reforms promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government were being implemented at the expense of the average Nigerian, Oshiomhole admitted that the government promised radical reforms. He, however, dismissed insinuations that the reforms are hurting the average Nigerian, insisting that the concerns raised by the host were not supported by evidence or verifiable facts.

    “Who are the average persons?” he asked. “You pick these things from the mouths of people.”

    He then issued the interlocutor a challenge, saying, “Have you gone to see people complaining? There are Nigerians now saying food is becoming too cheap.”  

     The engagement had occurred against the background of earlier public outcry that food prices were too high. In fits of exasperation at a time that a 50kg bag of rice sold for more than N100,000, yams competed with gold and pepper with diamonds, online warriors literally tore into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling him unprintable names and wondering whether there was still a government in place.

    In response to the outrage, the Tinubu government initiated policies that resulted in the collapse of food prices. But rather than commend the government for being responsive and responsible, stakeholders in the food and agricultural sector, who felt short-changed by the turn of events, have chosen to condemn it. Thus, for the Tinubu administration, it is a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.

    Read Also: Why food prices are crashing, by minister

    Upon my mother’s death in May last year, I travelled to the village for the obsequies. There, I met a brother-in-law of mine who had retired to the village after decades of service in the banking sector. In our discussion on the state of the nation, he was livid about high food prices, blaming it on President Tinubu’s reluctance to reopen the borders for foreign rice and other food items to come into the country.

    By the time I returned to the village in December (about seven months later), my brother-in-law had grown even more bitter with the President than he was previously. Ironically, the source of his anger this time is that food prices had become too low. I would later realise that his anger was stirred by selfish considerations rather than any whiff of patriotism. He had become a cassava farmer in the village, consistently raking in hundreds of thousands of naira, only for the price of cassava to crash, and the years of honeymoon came to an end.

    With the foregoing in mind, it did not come as news to me when Comrade Oshiomhole said some Nigerians were already complaining that food had become too cheap. But the uncouth army of haters on social media saw in his declaration an opportunity to drag the former governor and Tinubu’s political ally. The majority of them even veered off the real issue and resorted to attacking Oshiomhole’s physical appearance and family life.

    But that is not to say there are no exemptions to the online madness. Indeed, some other commentators agreed wholeheartedly with the Edo senator. One commentator said, “That (Oshiomhole’s claim) is the truth. Last week, I bought N1,000 worth of tomatoes and N500 worth of pepper, and I nearly had to hire a trailer to take them home. I could not use all the tomatoes and peppers because they were too many. I had to call my sister to come take half of it because I live alone and could not finish the entire tomatoes.”

    In other climes, cheaper food prices would impel people to roll out the drums in celebration. That, however, is far from being the case in our country, where cynics, pessimists and masochists who have sworn never to see anything good in the administration of President Tinubu have become the opinion drivers on social media. They fear that giving his administration credit where it is due would translate to narrowing the chances of their preferred presidential aspirants in the 2027 elections.

  • Delight, as food prices drop in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara

    Delight, as food prices drop in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara

    Food and agriculture stakeholders in Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara States have expressed delight at the drop in food prices, praising the Federal Government (FG) for its policies and interventions.

    In Tuesday’s survey of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the respondents, however, cautioned that some loose ends needed to be tidied up to sustain the price reductions across the board.

    At the Lafenwa, Kuto, and Olomore markets in Abeokuta, the survey revealed a significant drop in the prices of rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, and yams.

    It also showed that the prices of perishable items like peppers, onions, and tomatoes had dropped.

    According to the survey, a ‘kongo’ of garri now sells for N500 as against N1,800 in August, while a bag of the commodity now costs N28,000, compared to N40,000 in August.

    A 50kg bag of rice now sells for N53,000 from N68,000, while ‘Oloyin’ beans dropped from N70,000 to N60,000.

    A 5-litre gallon of groundnut oil, which was sold for N16,000, now costs N13,000, while a 25-litre keg of King’s oil reduced from N70,000 to N66,000.

    A medium basket of onions has dropped from N20,000 to N12,000, while a small basket of the same commodity has reduced from N10,000 to N5,000.

    Similarly, a big bag of scotch bonnet pepper now goes for between N35,000 and N40,000, dropping from N60,000 and N65,000, respectively.

    The small bucket of bonnet pepper, which previously sold for N15,000, now costs N6,000, just as a bag of tomatoes dropped from N70,000 to N50,000.

    Meanwhile, six big tubers of yams, earlier sold between N17,000 and N20,000, now sell for N12,000, while medium sizes are sold between N4,000 and N6,000.

    Some of the traders attributed the reduction to the recent decline in the exchange rate and reopening of land borders.

    This, according to Mrs Sikirat Soyeye, a grain seller at Lafenwa market, has eased importation and improved the availability of food items, especially rice and groundnut oil.

    “Our businesses have improved; since food items are now cheaper, people are now buying more.

    “The reduction in the dollar rate and border reopening have really helped,” she said.

    Soyeye, however, appealed to the government to sustain the stability of the naira, adding that traders now record higher sales and patronage.

    At the Kuto Market, Mrs Tinuke Ayomide, a perishable goods seller, said the reduction in the prices of pepper and onions was due to the current harvest season of the items.

    Ayomide, however, urged the government to strengthen security, particularly in the northern parts of the country where most food items originate, to ensure a steady reduction in commodity prices.

    Similarly, a tomato seller at Olomore market, Mr Haruna Ibrahim, said the commodity recorded a slight price reduction, but compared with other items, it was still expensive.

    Ibrahim also attributed the drop in perishable food prices to seasonal harvests.

    A buyer, Mrs Ayomide Adedeji, expressed delight at the development, urging the government to sustain the trend through consistent policies.

    “Food prices should not rise again, and the government must keep fuel prices stable.

    “When the dollar comes down, things become cheaper, so the government must ensure exchange rate stability and continue to support local farmers,” she said.

    The Ogun Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Abiodun Ogunjimi, said the current price reduction reflected a mix of seasonal harvests, reduced transport costs, and improved supply from farms and borders.

    Ogunjimi, however, warned that without deliberate government policies, the gains might be temporary.

    “To sustain this positive trend, the government should invest in local food production, reduce import duties on essential goods, and provide incentives for farmers.

    “Our government should also look into improved storage facilities, rural infrastructure, and price monitoring systems to prevent future inflation and ensure food affordability for Nigerians,” Ogunjimi said.

    Meanwhile, the Ogun Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, said the reduction in food prices was due to effective government policies, even as the harvest season is ongoing.

    According to Owotomo, the state government has intensified efforts to enhance food productivity and minimise post-harvest losses through various targeted initiatives and interventions.

    He added that the state had done exceptionally well in the cassava industry and aquaculture sector, with thousands of farmers benefiting from capacity-building programmes.

    The commissioner noted that the government had steadily expanded its input distribution to boost food productivity and was also still building processing facilities across the state.

    “We’re not only stopping at providing processing centres, we are also linking our farmers to off-takers so that they won’t have to be the ones to be looking for markets themselves; we already have off-takers registered.

    “It’s our joy that the government’s policies and interventions are having a positive impact on food prices in the state.

    “Adequate state government interventions have really helped in the reduction of food prices,” said Owotomo.

    In Ibadan, Prof. Alarudeen Aminu, a Reader in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, says the price reduction is largely driven by the nationwide harvest season.

    He said food prices traditionally fall to their lowest during harvest periods across Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones.

    “This year’s trend aligns with historical patterns, except in periods of drought, flood or other disruptions affecting food production,” he said.

    He explained that increased local supply has forced imported food items to a downward readjustment.

    “If there is excess supply, the price will fall to clear the market. That is what we are observing now,” he said.

    The economist, however, stressed the need for coordinated government intervention to sustain the price reduction beyond the harvest period.

    He said federal, state and local governments must invest more in domestic food production to stabilise prices.

    According to him, expanding dry-season farming is critical as many farmers have already cultivated vegetables, tomatoes and early yam seedlings using FADAMA.

    He urged governments to provide quality seedlings and launch radio and community campaigns to boost participation in off-season farming.

    He also urged the governments to identify and support genuine farmers, particularly small-scale holders who supply the bulk of food consumed locally.

    Aminu called for stronger rural security to encourage farmers who have abandoned farmlands due to attacks.

    He emphasised that rural infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and basic amenities, must be prioritised, noting that such investment is largely the responsibility of the state and local governments.

    He, therefore, recommended the revival of a structure similar to the defunct Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) and the Universal Basic Education model.

    According to the economist, the structure is to be jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

    However, a consumer, Mr Taiwo Ajebamidele, urged the FG to provide more storage and preservation facilities to help control post-harvest surplus and wastage.

    “The government can also buy off the surplus harvest from farmers to save their loss now, and resell it off-season.

    “Although foodstuffs, especially grains and cassava, are now surplus, the off-season time will come.

    “However, with good storage and preservation, the preserved ones will be available for sale at cheap prices since they are from the government,” he said.

    He also called on the government to reduce the pump price of petrol, which, in turn, would drop transportation costs.

    The economy, he says, revolves around petrol.

    A housewife, Mrs Mary Oguntade, said that while foodstuffs had become cheaper, people’s purchasing power was still weak.

    According to Oguntade, though garri, beans, tomatoes and pepper are now selling at lower prices, they may still increase off-season.

    She, however, said that the prices of fish, meat, eggs, chicken, palm oil and vegetable oil were still high.

    Alhaja Aduke Adebimpe, a rice merchant at Bodija market, affirmed that the price of rice had crashed.

    According to her, a bag of 50kg, which sold between N60,000 and N64,000 in October, now sells between N54,000 and N56,000 across various markets in Ibadan.

    “The Indian rice flooded the Nigerian markets from the Benin Republic, pushing prices of both imported and local rice down sharply.

    “Another factor in price reduction is the strengthening of the Naira against the Dollar and CFA, thus making dollar‑priced imports cheaper,” she said.

    She advised that the duty waiver on the importation of rice be sustained to make rice sell as low as N10,000.

    Read Also: Inflation eases further on declining food prices

    A garri seller, Mrs Caroline Joseph, said the price of the commodity has dropped drastically as a bag of cassava, which sold between N10,000 and N15,000, now sells at N9,000.

    Joseph said that a big bowl of garri, sold for N8,000, now sells at N4,000.

    She, however, cautioned that the price reduction was seasonal, explaining that with the incoming dry season, the price of garri and cassava flour would increase again.

    A consumer, Mr Kabir Alebiosu, said that while the prices of rice, beans, and garri had reduced, there was no money to buy other necessary things to cook the foodstuffs.

    Alebiosu said that the people’s purchasing power was still low; therefore, urging the government to do more to improve economic policies.

    This, he said, would help the civil servants to, at least, feed their families.

    In Ilorin, the Iyaloja-General of Kwara, Alhaja Muhibat Olumon, while commending the government, pledged continuous support to the FG for stabilising the prices of food commodities.

    She explained that, as the leader of marketers in Kwara, her team hold regular meetings with middlemen across the state to prevent the inflation of food commodities.

    According to her, the market must be sanitised of traders who take advantage of people by inflating prices and coming around to blame the government.

    She pledged, on behalf of other traders, to be faithful in their businesses and to remain their brothers’ keeper.

    The Public Relations Officer, Tomatoes Dealers Association in Kwara, Mr Nurudeen Alowonle, told NAN that a bag of tomatoes sells between N9,000 and N10,000.

    According to him, a 25kg bag of bell pepper (atarodo) now sells between N7,000 and N10,000 in Ilorin.

    The survey revealed that a bag of rice has dropped from N70,000 in October to N54,000.

    A bag of Elubo (New), which sold for N140,000 in the last two months, now sells for N120,000, while the (Old) Elubo sells for N160,000.

    (NAN)

  • Inflation eases further on declining food prices

    Inflation eases further on declining food prices

    The average volume of goods and services for a unit of naira continued to improve as efficient food supply and relative stability in the foreign exchange (forex) market further deflated inflationary pressure.

    Ahead of the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report today by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), independent consumer surveys and econometric models surveyed yesterday were unanimous that inflation rate dropped for the seventh consecutive time.

    Consumer surveys and economic intelligence reports surveyed by The Nation showed that headline inflation rate dropped by more than 100 basis points to around 16.35 per cent in October, as against 18.02 per cent recorded in September.

    Nigeria has seen steady disinflation since April 2025, with a combination of improved harvest, stable forex, improving security and stable logistics driving down costs of goods and services.

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    The continuing decline in inflationary pressure also raised prospects of further cut in benchmark interest rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the apex bank had in September signaled a reflective monetary easing, cutting the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points from 27.50 per cent to 27.00 per cent. It was the first rate cut in five years, since September 2020.

    The naira appreciated by 0.5 per cent to close weekend at N1,435.00 per dollar. Nigeria’s gross forex reserves increased for the 17th consecutive week, rising by $187.11 million to close weekend at $43.54 billion.

    “We maintain a positive outlook on the naira, supported by expectations of sustained forex) liquidity. On the domestic front, rising non-oil exports and improving market confidence should underpin inflows, while externally, healthy forex reserves, a positive current account position, and a firmer global monetary easing are expected to reinforce foreign investor sentiment and stimulate additional forex market inflows,” Cordros Capital Group stated..

    Coronation Group predicted that headline inflation rate could fall to 16.29 per cent in October, citing bumper harvest from current harvest season.   

    Analysts at SCM Capital said disinflation trend reflected gains from economic reforms, foreign exchange (forex) rate stability and seasonal food supply dynamics.

    “Inflation is projected to decline further in October 2025, supported by sustained forex stability, moderating input costs, and improved domestic supply conditions. The harvest season should further ease food prices, extending the disinflation trend.

    “With inflation easing for six consecutive months, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may consider another rate cut to stimulate growth. Overall, price pressures are expected to remain subdued, sustaining the economy’s momentum”, SCM Capital stated.

    Analysts at CardinalStone noted that the “moderating inflation bodes well for Nigeria’s currency valuation”.

    According to analysts, the ongoing disinflationary trends bode well for currency valuation with the combination of a sustained current account surplus and a steady build-up in forex reserves expected to underpin further naira appreciation.

    CardinalStone projected that naira would close the year within the range of N1,400 and N1,450 per dollar.

    “The softer inflation outlook reinforces the case for additional monetary easing by the CBN at its November policy meeting. We expect a 100 basis points reduction in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 26.0 per cent.

    “Lower inflation and an expected policy rate cut are likely to drive further yield compression across the naira credit market. While the curve may remain inverted, we expect a sharper adjustment at the short end of the curve.”

  • Food prices decline amid erratic market trends

    Food prices decline amid erratic market trends

    Markets in Lagos and other key cities markets have recorded a marginal reduction in the prices of some staple foods, offering temporary relief to consumers grappling with months of steep inflation. However, market data reveal conflicting trends, with gains in affordability for some items offset by fresh surges in others, leaving traders and households uncertain about the outlook.

    Since February, the prices of several staple items have eased following increased supplies from farmers who have commenced harvesting. The most notable reduction has been in onions, with the cost of a big bag plummeting by 43.2 percent due to a wave of fresh arrivals from northern producing states. Prices also fell for egusi (melon), white garri, beans, frozen fish varieties such as kote and Titus, a 25-litre gallon of vegetable oil, and yams.  Traders such as Mike Ugwu at Adaranijo Market sold a 50kg bag of rice last December between N80,000 and N90,000. In February, the same quantity sold  between N70,000 and N75,000. As of November last year, an  average bag  of beans  sold for as high as N230,000 to N270,000.

    In February, the bag sold  for N80,000. Analysts attributed it to the fact that it was the  season beans was being harvested. A 60kg of beans used to sell up to N300,000 per bag but now sells between N150,000 and N90,000 depending on the variety. Consumers  were  feeling the relief that a bag of garri was then selling  between N35,000 and N45,000 as against N60,000.

    A paint bucket that cost N3,200 to N3,500 in January  sold  for N2,000 in February.  The price of vegetable oil dropped  considerably, from more than N100,000 in December for a 25-litre keg to between N70,000 and N75,000 now.

    But the respite has been far from consistent. By July, prices for several staples spiked again, with onions, rice, and pepper recording sharp month-on-month increases across Mile 12, Oyingbo, and Daleko markets. A big bag of onions surged 30 percent to N130,000, while a 50kg bag of rice climbed 25 percent to an average of N75,000, compared to N60,000 in June.

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    Traders linked the spikes to poor road conditions, rising logistics costs, seasonal scarcity, and currency depreciation. Pepper prices also soared by up to 16.67 percent.The volatility left households under pressure.  Since August, a few staples have recorded marginal reductions. Some entrepreneurs say the declines are noticeable and widespread. “In the last one year, people have been talking about food prices coming down,” said a food business operator in Shomolu, Samuel Chukwuemeka, “For example, a paint container of garri here in Lagos, the yellow one is N2,500, whereas the white is N2,000. A family can take that quantity and it can last them for a week. The yam that I do buy for N5,000, I got it yesterday for N2,500. The drop is steadily reducing, giving joy.”

    Others, however, remain cautious. “The rice we usually buy for ₦88,000 (long grain) is now ₦80,000, while the short grain which sold for ₦75,000 is going for ₦60,000. Garri has reduced by 15 percent,” said foodstuff trader Mike Ugwu.

    Another Lagos resident, Shoe Construction Technician Abrahim Williams, added: “There have been relative marginal reductions in prices of key staples which I describe as food for the middle class. A bowl of garri that sold for ₦3,000 and ₦2,500 is now ₦2,000. Other food staples are still on the high side. The prices should be lower than these now. I want the government to do more.”

    Experts warn that the apparent declines mask deeper economic challenges. The President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, described the situation as a “two-headed sword.” He explained: “The first phase is that we see the government trying to bring down inflation, and they are doing a lot with the macroeconomy through their policy to bring down inflation, and that is already reflecting in the prices in the markets. The other side to it also is that many do not have the resources to even buy as much as they did before. Their purchasing power has reduced a lot, and when there is a reduction in demand, there will be more supply, and automatically prices will begin to crash.”

    He urged the government to channel interventions into agriculture and its value chain, including modern farming techniques, funding access for farmers, and improved infrastructure. “The first thing important to everybody is food, and food has always been the middle driver of inflation over the years in Nigeria,” he said. “Arrest insecurity and make sure that the roads are good because sometimes the cost of moving produce from the farm to the city is a big challenge.”

    The latest data from the Lagos Market Food Prices Tracker underscored the uncertainty. In September, a 25kg bag of imported long-grain rice sold for ₦39,000, while a 50kg bag reached ₦78,000. A paint container of Ijebu garri averaged ₦2,800, while onions sold for ₦1,000 per kilogram. Prices for yams, tomatoes, and pepper remained elevated, suggesting consumers will continue to face an unpredictable market environment.

    The mixed signals highlight Nigeria’s food price dilemma: while seasonal harvests bring short-term relief, inflationary pressures, weak purchasing power, and fragile supply chains mean that stability remains elusive for millions of households

  • 10 States in Nigeria with costliest food prices

    10 States in Nigeria with costliest food prices

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), prices of staple items like yam, pepper, cassava, and maize remain high, with varying pressures across regions. 

    Here are ten States in Nigeria with the highest inflation rate of food prices as of May 2025 ascending order as well as insights into their local food dynamics and historical inflation trends.

    1. EBONYI STATE

    Ebonyi State is known as “The Salt of the Nation” for its significant salt deposits in the Okposi and Uburu salt lakes, and it’s a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria, renowned for producing Abakaliki Rice, yam, cassava, and maize.

    The state is also recognized for its vibrant culture and heritage, particularly in the Afikpo region, which serves as a center for Igbo tradition.

    Furthermore, Ebonyi is noted for its focus on modern infrastructure and development, including state-of-the-art facilities and a growing economy centered around its capital, Abakaliki 

    This state has 25.9% in the increase in food prices a steep rise from 7.2% in April. Despite its agricultural strength, prices are still affected by transport and distribution inefficiencies.

    The state, known for rice, yam, beans, and cassava production, is among the top 20 with the highest all-items inflation for the month.

    2. KOGI STATE

    Kogi State is an important agricultural centre, producing crops such as yam, cassava, and maize, and home to major industries like the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

    Historically, the capital city of Lokija  served as the first administrative capital of Nigeria during the colonial era, and the state is recognized for its diverse cultures and traditional festivals. This state has 26.52% increase in price food price. Kogi has a 4.7% increase over the previous month.

    Even while producing yam, cassava, sorghum, and cowpea, food inflation remains elevated, possibly due to regional supply chain constraints or poor market access.

    The state ranks among the top 20 states for all-items inflation in May. More also, Kogi state is known as Nigeria’s “Confluence State” due to the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers, and for its rich mineral resources like iron ore and limestone.

    3. OGUN STATE

    Ogun State is known as Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing hub, hosting a large concentration of factories due to its proximity to Lagos.

    It is also a significant agricultural producer, known for crops like cassava and cocoa, and possesses rich natural resources and a prominent cultural heritage, including the significant olumo rock and the vibrant ojude oba festival.

    Additionally, the state is a major educational center with a high number of universities and is nicknamed the “Gateway State” for its strategic position in West Africa. Ogun state increase in food price also hit 26.5%, up from 9.9% in April, marking a significant 16.6% surge.

     Although the state is close to major food routes and produces cassava, maize, and rice, food prices are still very high, placing it among the top 20 states with the highest inflation this month.

    4. ABUJA (FCT)

    Food inflation in Abuja (FCT) rose to 26.7% in May, up from 22.2% in April. Despite producing crops like cassava, yam, rice, and beans, the city depends heavily on supplies from other states and now ranks fifth highest in food inflation nationwide.

    Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, is known for being a purpose-built administrative and political center that hosts the country’s governmental bodies, including the Presidential Complex, National Assembly, and Supreme Court.

    It is recognized for its diverse modern architecture and landmarks like the National  Mosque and National Christian Center Beyond its political significance, Abuja offers natural attractions such as Gurara Falls and Jabi Lake and is a center for commerce, attracting various multinational corporations and international organizations. 

    5. CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cross River State is known as “The People’s Paradise” for its stunning natural beauty, including rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches, as well as its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions.

    It is home to the famous Calabar Carnival, Africas largest street party and significant landmarks like the Obudu Mountain Resort and the Tinapa Business Resort.

    The state is also recognized for its diverse ethnic groups, important conservation areas like the Cross River national park  and a strong agricultural sector.

    Food inflation in Cross River rose sharply from 14.5% in April to 27.3% in May.

    This big 12.8% increase may be linked to seasonal price pressures on crops like cassava, yam, plantain, maize, garden egg, pepper, banana, and cocoyam.

    These crops are heavily traded in regional markets

    6. SOKOTO STATE

    Sokoto is an important agricultural center, with crops like millet and maize, and is famous for its trade in sheepskins, cattle hides, and leather goods. Key landmarks include the Sultan’s Palace, the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Museum, and the Goronyo Dam.

    The State is known as “Seat of the Caliphate” for its deep Islamic history and as the spiritual headquarters of Islam in Nigeria, housing the Sultan’s Palace. Sokoto experienced a relatively moderate change, with food inflation increasing from 25.3% in April to 27.6% in May.

    Though the increase is marginal, the state still ranks among the top 10. Sokoto produces cassava, plantain, yam, millet, cocoyam, rice, pumpkin, and banana, and has generally benefited from steady local production.

    7. NIGER STATE

    Niger State is known as “The Power State” of Nigeria due to its major hydroelectric dams, including Kainji and Shiroro, which generate significant power for the country.

    The Niger state has 30.3% food inflation rate of 30.3%, Niger State saw a modest rise of 6% from April.

    As a key producer of yam, cassava, sorghum, and rice, the increase may reflect seasonal variations in food availability or pressures from nearby markets.

    The state is the second-highest all-items inflation in May. 

    8. TARABA STATE

    It recorded a food inflation rate of 38.6% in May, a sharp rise from 20.3% in April, representing an 18.3% increase.

    Despite cultivating a variety of crops such as cassava, plantain, yam, millet, beans, rice, and Irish potatoes, the state continues to face rising consumer prices due to logistics bottlenecks and high transportation costs.

    Insecurity in neighboring areas and poor road conditions further disrupt trade routes. Consequently, Taraba ranked as the seventh highest in all-items inflation for the month.”

    9. BAYELSA STATE

    Bayelsa State is widely known for its rich crude oil and natural gas reserves, which play a big role in Nigeria’s economy.

    It is also the ancestral home of the Ijaw people, a place deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. Located in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa is blessed with a long coastline, rivers, and wetlands that add to its natural beauty.

    At the same time, the state faces serious challenges such as environmental damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure.”

    This state has 39.8% increase in food prices. Food inflation in Bayelsa jumped from 19.7% in April to 39.8% in May, marking a significant 20.1% surge.

    Despite being a producer of plantain, cassava, yam, rice, garden egg, pepper, banana, and cocoyam, the state’s supply chains and high dependency on food imports from other regions could be contributing to this steep rise. The state made it into the top 20 highest all-items inflation for the months.

    Read Also: TMF urges governors to align with Tinubu’s economic vision, tackle food prices, boost human capital

    10. BORNO STATE

    Borno State is known for its deep historical roots as the heartland of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, its rich cultural heritage including the Durbar Festival, and its strategic position as a border trading hub with neighboring countries.

    The state is also an important agricultural region, home to Lake Chad, and has a strong tradition of Islamic scholarship, though it has unfortunately gained notoriety as the origin point of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Borno recorded the highest food inflation in May, soaring to 64.4%, a sharp rise of 42.9% from April’s 21.5%. The state, known for producing millet, sorghum, maize, rice, guinea corn, and sweet potatoes.

    Despite significant crop production, including millet, sorghum, and sweet potatoes, insecurity, limited market access, and disrupted trade flows have contributed to the sharp price increases. The state also ranks as the highest all-items inflation for the month.

  • TMF urges governors to align with Tinubu’s economic vision, tackle food prices, boost human capital

    TMF urges governors to align with Tinubu’s economic vision, tackle food prices, boost human capital

    The Tinubu Media Force (TMF) has called on state governors across Nigeria to align their policies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision, particularly in the areas of human capital development, food affordability, and transport innovation.

    Speaking after a strategic meeting held in Abuja, TMF national coordinator, Gbenga Abiola, emphasised the need for coordinated action at the state level to address the country’s pressing economic challenges.

    In a statement issued after the meeting, TMF urged governors to invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to build a self-reliant and competitive population capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

    “Governors must prioritise investing in their people—especially in education, healthcare, and skills training,” the group stated. “This is the most effective way to improve quality of life and ensure long-term prosperity.”

    TMF also expressed concern over the rising cost of food, describing it as one of the most urgent issues confronting Nigerians.

    The group urged state governments to establish food hubs and frameworks for bulk purchasing, logistics management, and price regulation to help stabilise prices and protect vulnerable households.

    Citing Lagos State’s food logistics model as a successful example, TMF encouraged other states to adopt similar strategies tailored to their local contexts.

    The group also called for state-level adoption of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation initiative.

    It recommended the rapid rollout of CNG refuelling stations and the integration of CNG-powered buses into local transport systems to reduce dependence on petrol and lower transport costs.

    Read Also: BUA Foods posts N912.5b half year revenue

    “Investments in CNG infrastructure will not only reduce transportation costs by as much as 50%, but also unlock environmental and employment benefits,” TMF stated. “This is a clear opportunity for governors to deliver immediate relief to citizens and drive sustainable development.”

    The federal government, according to TMF, has already demonstrated commitment by distributing 64 CNG buses nationwide and securing over $791 million in investments targeted at expanding the CNG sector.

    The Tinubu Media Force concluded its statement with a call for unity of purpose among state leaders. 

    It reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasised that achieving the administration’s goals requires full collaboration between federal and state actors.

    “Governors must rise to the moment. This is the time to invest in people, lower costs for the average Nigerian, and innovate for the future,” the group declared.

    The TMF is a national grassroots media and advocacy structure comprising six regional coordinators, 36 state coordinators, 109 senatorial coordinators, and local government representatives committed to advancing the policies and principles of the Tinubu administration.

  • FG’s reforms to crash food prices – Minister 

    FG’s reforms to crash food prices – Minister 

    The Federal Government has said that its agricultural reforms was designed to ensure food availability, affordability and accessibility for all Nigerians.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this to newsmen in Maiduguri.

    Kyari highlighted the government’s ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector to tackle food insecurity and revive the national economy.

    He said the ministry had adopted a multi-pronged strategy to confront challenges such as insecurity, flooding, and import dependency, particularly in critical areas like wheat and rice production.

    “As part of efforts to reduce the over six million tonnes of wheat currently imported annually, we have launched a national wheat farming programme,” Kyari said.

    He noted that Cross River has become the first southern state to join the wheat production drive, marking a significant milestone in diversifying the crop’s geographic spread.

    Kyari, also said fertiliser distribution under the programme had boosted rice production by 58,000 tonnes, enabling the federal government to subsidise rice supply to states affected by flooding.

    “In addition to wheat, the ministry has championed a successful rice programme, leading to positive harvests nationwide,” he said.

    The minister stressed the need to protect both consumers and producers, noting that “80 per cent of our food is produced by local farmers.

    “Our immediate priority is to address affordability and ensure every Nigerian has access to safe and nutritious food,” Kyari said.

    With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, Kyari said the government was focused on mechanised agriculture and youth empowerment to guarantee long-term food security.

    Read Also: Ogun reports lowest increase in food prices, says NBS

    He said that the government was also working to restore national assets, including tractors and essential equipment to boost productivity.

    To reduce post-harvest losses, Kyari announced a bilateral agreement with Brazil focused on the preservation, processing, and storage of perishable food items.

    He also said Nigeria had partnered with Belarus to provide aggregation services aimed at significantly increasing output.

    The minister warned against misuse of government-supplied agricultural machinery, urging farmers to make judicious use of such equipment.

    He further revealed that only three of Nigeria’s silo sites were currently functional, but plans were underway to reactivate the remaining facilities.

    “The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure these critical storage facilities are fully utilised,” Kyari said.

    (NAN)

  • FG to launch national agribusiness policy to stabilise food prices, drive growth

    FG to launch national agribusiness policy to stabilise food prices, drive growth

    In a bold push to tackle food inflation and revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the federal government is set to launch the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM), a sweeping new framework aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, stabilising food prices, and accelerating economic growth through data-driven solutions.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement on Friday during a meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) Steering Committee, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to the Vice President, the NAPM will serve as a unifying platform for agricultural policies at all levels of government, using real-time data analytics to align planning, implementation, and outcomes across the sector.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the initiative will align agricultural efforts across all government tiers through real-time data analytics.

    “The Green Imperative Project (GIP) is an idea whose time has come. It has been in the incubation period for several years, and now it is coming to fruition; we have to get it right.

    “We have had many interventions in this country in the past. We must make this work, and it’s the states that will drive the process,” the Vice President said.

    Read Also: NEC approves $90bn agribusiness, livestock strategy

    Signed between Nigeria and Brazil on March 17, 2025, the Green Imperative Project (GIP) is a $1.1 billion initiative aimed to modernise 774 mid-sized Nigerian farms with Brazilian agricultural technologies, creating jobs and boosting productivity across the nation.

    VP Shettima further said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦15 billion for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for floods as the rainy season kicks in.  

    “This is one of the first proactive decisions by the government to prepare for the flooding season,” the Vice President noted.

    Earlier, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of PFSCU, Marion Moon, explained that NAPM aims to address challenges of high food inflation and agricultural yields that lag 60 per cent behind global averages.

    She revealed that the pilot survey for NAPM has been completed across 13 states, with a full launch planned for June 2025.

    The NAPM, supported by data analytics partnerships and a digital platform under development, is designed to tackle food inflation, inefficient subsidies, and outdated farming practices, to give the country a unified framework to optimise public spending and drive sustainable rural development.

    Those present at the meeting included Governors of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi and Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; Deputy Governors of Borno State, Umar Kadafur and Ebonyi State, Patricia Onyemaechi Obila.

    Others are Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; heads of agriculture and manufacturing private sector players, and international development partners.