The cost of basic food items has continued to rise across markets, placing additional pressure on households already grappling with economic hardship.
A survey of current market prices indicates that several staple foods remain high, forcing many households to adjust their feeding practices, reduce portions, or switch to cheaper alternatives.
Cooking oil, a daily necessity in most Nigerian homes, continues to command high prices. A 5-litre container of palm oil now sells for about ₦10,000, while groundnut oil costs around ₦3,200 per litre. Traders attribute the prices to supply challenges, transportation costs, and increased demand.
Rice, a major staple across the country, is selling for about ₦52,250 for a 50kg bag, a price many consumers describe as unaffordable. Swallow foods are also affected, with medium-sized Poundo Yam meal priced at ₦3,500, while the bigger pack goes for ₦7,000.
Traditional soup ingredients have not been spared either. One modu of egusi now costs about ₦2,700, while a paint bucket of garri sells for roughly ₦1,200, making even basic meals more expensive to prepare.
Fresh produce prices remain unstable. A heap of tomatoes currently goes for about ₦3,500, while pepper sells for around ₦2,500 per heap. Market women say seasonal shortages and spoilage during transportation continue to affect supply, driving prices upward.
Processed food items have also recorded noticeable increases. A roll pack of cornflakes now sells for ₦1,300, while spaghetti, a common household food, is priced as high as ₦18,600 per pack in some markets.
Here is the breakdown of some food prices:
Palm Oil (5-litre) – ₦10,000
Groundnut Oil (1-litre) – ₦3,200
Rice (50kg Bag) – ₦52,250
Poundo Yam Meal (Medium) – ₦3,500
Poundo Yam Meal (Big) – ₦7,000
Egusi (1 modu) – ₦2,700
Garri (1 paint bucket) – ₦1,200
Tomatoes Heap – ₦3,500
Pepper Heap – ₦2,500
Cornflakes (Roll Pack) – ₦1,300
Spaghetti (Pack) – ₦18,600
