Food prices across Lagos markets shifted sharply in September, with staples swinging between steep hikes and dramatic drops in Mushin, Mile 12, Oyingbo, and Daleko market,
A market survey covering 71 key items revealed a mixed picture: while 25 items recorded price increases, more than 60 percent of tracked products declined, breaking from the typical upward movement seen in past months. The shift reflects the volatility that has become a defining feature of Nigeria’s food economy in 2025.
The steepest rise came from beans. A 50kg bag of brown beans jumped 18.75 percent, climbing to N95,000 from N80,000 in August, the highest increase across all surveyed items. Traders linked the surge to reduced supply from Northern states, where heavy rainfall disrupted harvest inflows. Sweet potatoes, semovita, poundo yam flour, palm oil, maize, and packaged staples also trended upward, with increases ranging between 5 and 11 percent.
At the same time, prices of pepper collapsed. A big bag fell by 48.39 percent, dropping from N155,000 to N80,000, while medium bags slipped 25 percent to N60,000. Tomato, melon, wheat, yam tubers, and frozen fish also recorded double-digit declines, largely due to harvest season inflows and improved supply.
Consumers expressed both relief and frustration. Shoppers welcomed the crash in pepper and egusi prices, which eased pressure on household budgets, while the surge in beans drew complaints. “Beans are no longer food for common people; at this price, it is almost like buying meat,” said a shopper at Daleko market. Food vendors at Mushin also voiced mixed feelings: while lower pepper prices allowed them to serve customers at better rates, traders lamented losses after buying stock at higher prices in August.
Traders confirmed a shift in purchasing patterns, with middle-income families now buying in smaller units such as paint buckets rather than bulk 50kg bags. The trend reflects household adjustments as many juggle food budgets alongside school fees and transport costs.
Market analysts noted that September data highlight a two-speed food economy. Protein-rich staples such as beans, maize, and flour continue to face upward pressure from logistics costs, feed demand, and limited harvests. Perishable items, on the other hand, benefited from improved supply, pushing prices downward.
The outlook remains mixed. Beans prices are expected to stay high until the next harvest, while semovita and palm oil may continue to reflect broader macroeconomic challenges. For many Lagos households, September delivered both relief and strain—a reminder that the food basket remains unpredictable, swinging between scarcity-driven hikes and harvest-led declines.
