Food inflation Persists In S’West, S’East And North With Different Prices.

Food Inflation Woes: Disparities Between Regional Realities Versus Official Reports

Despite official claims that food inflation is on a declining trend, recent market surveys across Nigeria’s major cities tell a different story. Traders and consumers continue to grapple with the high costs of essential food items, revealing a disconnect between government statistics and grassroots realities.

Official Data vs. Market Reality

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that in June 2025, food inflation slowed to 38.2%, down from 40.66% in May. The government attributes this to increased food supply and active interventions. However, on the ground, prices of staples such as rice, beans, yams, tomatoes, maize, and garri have either remained stagnant or surged over the past two months.

Regional Disparities in Food Prices

The South-West: Persistent Price Hikes

In Lagos, Ibadan, Osun, and Delta states, market surveys reveal significant price increases:

  • Lagos: A 50kg bag of local parboiled rice jumped from N53,000 in May to N77,000 in July. Tomatoes soared from N58,500 to N110,000, and onions rose from N85,000 to N140,000 within two months.
  • Oyo: While some markets experienced slight relief, staple food prices remain high. For example, beans have doubled in price, and fish costs have surged substantially.
  • Osun: Prices continue to climb, with a bag of rice now costing N74,000 and beans hitting N82,000.

Many traders attribute the high prices to soaring transportation costs, poor supply, and seasonal fluctuations.

The South-East and South-South: Continued Struggles

In Anambra, Imo, and Delta states, the situation mirrors the southern states’ trends:

  • Anambra: Rice prices now range between N55,000 and N75,000, up from N38,000 to N55,000 in May.
  • Imo: Prices for rice and other staples have surged sharply, with rice reaching N95,000 per bag.
  • Delta: Prices for tomatoes, yams, and beans remain high, with some items maintaining or even increasing prices despite harvest seasons.

Abuja and the North: Some Relief and Surprises

Contrasting the southern regions, Abuja and parts of northern Nigeria are experiencing a slight decline in some food prices:

  • Kaduna: A 50kg bag of foreign rice has decreased from N88,000-90,000 to N83,000.
  • Kaduna and other northern states: Tomato prices have dropped significantly due to fresh harvests, with prices falling by nearly 50%. For instance, a bag of UTC tomatoes now costs N50,000, down from N90,000.
  • Benue and Sokoto: Prices are generally dropping or stabilising, although some staples like soya beans and yams still experience price fluctuations.

Challenges Behind the Price Surge

Experts highlight several factors contributing to these persistent high prices:

  • Insecurity:  the major challenges, Banditry, insurgency, and farm attacks hamper agricultural production and transportation, especially in the South-West and South-East.
  • Poor Infrastructure: Bad roads and inadequate storage facilities increase costs and cause supply disruptions.
  • Climate Change: Irregular rainfall, droughts, and climate variability reduce crop yields and affect supply chains.
  • High Transportation Costs: Rising fuel prices and logistical challenges inflate the cost of bringing food to markets.
  • Supply and Demand Imbalance: Seasonal variations, coupled with limited storage, cause price volatility.

Government Initiatives and Market Outlook

The Federal Government announced the establishment of agricultural industrial hubs aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving supply. While such measures are promising, traders and analysts remain sceptical about short-term relief, emphasising the need for addressing underlying structural issues.

The disparity between official records and market realities underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s food inflation crisis. While macroeconomic indicators may show improvement, the lived experiences of traders and consumers reveal a different, more challenging picture. Addressing insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and supply chain inefficiencies is vital for stabilising food prices and improving the livelihood of millions.

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