Food prices remain unstable in Lagos as retailers decry fluctuations

Prices of major food items continue to fluctuate across Lagos markets, with significant differences recorded between Ajah Ilaje, Sabo Market in Ikorodu, and Mile 12 International Market. A survey by Daily Trust showed that consumers and retailers are grappling with persistent price hikes and inconsistencies, especially for staples like tomatoes, eggs, rice, and oil. At […]

Prices of major food items continue to fluctuate across Lagos markets, with significant differences recorded between Ajah Ilaje, Sabo Market in Ikorodu, and Mile 12 International Market.

A survey by Daily Trust showed that consumers and retailers are grappling with persistent price hikes and inconsistencies, especially for staples like tomatoes, eggs, rice, and oil.

At Mile 12 Market, a big basket of tomatoes now sells for between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000, up from N25,000 to N40,000 just a week earlier in Ajah Ilaje.

A sack of rodo pepper has surged to N150,000, while onions cost between N25,000 and N40,000.

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Rice prices remain high. A 50kg bag of local short grain sells for N60,000, and foreign long grain rice is priced up to N90,000. A 25-litre keg of King’s groundnut oil now sells for N85,000, while garri (yellow or white) is priced at ₦45,000 per bag.

Protein items are not left out. A crate of eggs sells for N6,500, frozen chicken goes for N6,000 per kilo, and live chicken ranges between ₦8,000 and ₦12,000 depending on size and type. Frozen Titus fish is now ₦6,000 per kilo, while a bundle of 40 pieces of smoked panla sells for ₦12,000.

In the legume and grain section, white beans (30-paint sack) cost ₦150,000, while a small sack of honey brown beans sells for ₦85,000. Yams are priced between ₦2,500 and ₦3,500 per tuber.

Household energy sources remain costly. Cooking gas sells between ₦1,250 and ₦1,500 per kilogram, while bread prices are unchanged—₦1,200 for small loaves and ₦2,000 for large ones.

Retailers and small food business operators are expressing frustration over the unstable market trends.

“Prices are fluctuating—no stable prices for food items,” said Oluwaseun Egunjobi, CEO of SDK Grocery.

“To think these foodstuffs used to have stable and uniform prices…. The rising cost of food is a reflection of several interconnected challenges—from inflation to transport costs, seasonal shortages and supply chain disruptions.”

Mobile food vendor, Agboola Samiat, echoed similar concerns about volatility in the market.

“When it comes to foodstuffs, it’s too volatile. You can get an item for ₦5,000 today and meet the same item at ₦10,000 when you go next week,” she said.