The price of cowpea and beans in Nigeria has seen a dramatic drop in 2025, bringing relief to millions of households and traders. A 100kg bag now sells for between N80,000 and N120,000, compared to a staggering N210,000 to N240,000 just a year ago. This sharp decline, according to industry leaders, is mainly due to a bumper harvest and improved farming conditions across the country.
The President of the Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C&BFPMAN), explained that farmers recorded harvests up to ten times higher than previous years. The improved yields were attributed to favourable weather, expanded cultivation efforts, and a strategy where beans were planted alongside corn, increasing overall output.
“In the last harvest, we produced over ten times what we used to. More farmers also planted beans this year to avoid past losses. That kind of increase in supply naturally pushed prices down,” he said.
The impact is being felt across major markets. In Lagos, traders at Oyingbo Market confirm that prices have dropped significantly. A paint bucket of beans, which sold for N13,000 to N14,000 last year, now goes for about N6,000 to N7,000. The same trend is seen with smaller quantities. A derica cup of beans, once priced at N2,000 to N2,500, now sells for between N800 and N1,000, depending on the variety.
Wholesalers also point to better yields and fewer pest infestations as key reasons for the price slump. A trader and Managing Director of Fresh2Home Ltd. said last year’s losses were largely due to insect attacks and poor harvests. This year, with stronger government support and favourable conditions, the supply has improved significantly.
Consumers in Lagos say the new prices have made a difference. One resident noted that feeding a family with beans last year was financially draining. “It was almost a luxury to cook beans. But now, we can include it in our meals again without stress,” she said.
The improvement in security across farming regions has also helped. Farmers who were previously displaced by insecurity have now returned to their farms, leading to better productivity. A civil servant remarked that many farmers can now access their land safely, which has contributed to the increased availability of beans and the welcome drop in prices.
This price shift is not only a sign of economic relief but also a hopeful indicator for food stability in Nigeria. Farmers and traders alike are optimistic that with continued government support, security, and favorable weather, the current momentum can be sustained.
