A cross-section of some foodstuffsSouthern states struggle with soaring costs of staples as northern regions begin to see price relief
Despite official claims of easing food inflation, the cost of essential food items continues to surge across markets in southern Nigeria, fueling public discontent and contradicting government statistics.
A nationwide market survey revealed a striking disparity between food prices in the southern and northern regions. While states like Kaduna, Sokoto, and Benue report modest price drops due to new harvests, consumers in the South-West, South-East, and South-South remain burdened by escalating food costs.
In Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states, the price of a 50kg bag of local rice has soared from N53,000 in May to N77,000 by July. A 50kg bag of maize now costs N78,000, and white garri has spiked to N60,000. Tomatoes have witnessed one of the steepest hikes, surging from N58,500 to N110,000 per basket in Lagos. Similarly, a bag of onions now sells for N140,000, up from N85,000 in May.
Traders in markets like Ikorodu, Iyana Iba, and Bodija expressed frustration, attributing the spike to rising transportation costs and unpredictable supply. “We no longer buy pepper and tomatoes in large quantities because of high costs from the North,” said Mallam Mohammed, a trader in Iyana Iba.
In Oyo State, while Bodija Market recorded marginal relief in rice and beans prices, Gbagi Market saw steep increases, with a carton of Sawa fish rising from N24,000 to N61,000 and a pound of rubber beans jumping from N1,200 to N3,000. Yam prices have doubled, with small tubers now selling for N4,000.
The situation is no different in the South-East and South-South. In Anambra, a bag of locally milled rice rose from N38,000 to N65,000, while foreign rice now sells for up to N100,000. Yam tubers range from N8,000 to N10,000 in Awka. Delta State markets recorded tomato prices at N8,000 per paint bucket, with garri maintaining a high price of N3,000. In Imo, a bag of flour jumped from N55,000 to N65,000, and foreign rice hit N90,000 per bag.
In Abuja, food prices have also risen sharply. Nigerian rice now sells for N65,000, while foreign variants reach N85,000. Tomatoes doubled from N30,000 to N65,000 per basket, and yams are priced at N30,000 for five medium tubers. Traders blamed the cost on transportation and wholesale price hikes.
Conversely, markets in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Benue reported some relief. In Kaduna, foreign rice dropped from N90,000 to N83,000, and local rice from N70,000 to N65,000. Tomato prices fell significantly due to fresh harvests, with a bag of UTC tomatoes now N50,000, down from N100,000. Darika tomatoes decreased to N35,000 per bag, and pepper prices also declined. Garri prices in Benue dropped from N75,000 to as low as N55,000 per bag, while a basin of milled rice now costs N28,000–N32,000.
Despite these regional variances, traders and consumers across the country are united in their frustration over the persistent economic strain. Many attribute the southern food inflation to insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a long supply chain riddled with middlemen.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, during a recent groundbreaking event in Ibadan, highlighted government efforts to reduce post-harvest losses through agricultural industrial hubs. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the sector in collaboration with international partners.
Economic analysts, however, maintain that structural challenges, including insecurity in farming zones, inadequate storage, and poor road infrastructure, continue to fuel the crisis. According to Sola Oni, a Chartered Stockbroker, southern regions bear the brunt due to their reliance on northern produce, limited regulation, and a growing urban population that drives up demand.
Former Zenith Bank Chief Economist Marcel Okeke also pointed to climate change and insecurity as major contributors. “Farmers across the South are no longer able to access their farms due to attacks and dry weather,” he said.
Experts agree that while national inflation rates may show signs of improvement, they do not reflect the day-to-day realities of Nigerians, particularly in the South, where food price spikes continue to threaten household survival.
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