Consumers in Benue, Abia, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states are celebrating a sharp decline in food prices across major markets, following months of high inflation that strained household budgets.
A cross-section of buyers said on Sunday that the prices of major food items—especially grains—had fallen significantly. In Makurdi, Victoria Ogwuche said a mudu of beans now sells for N1,500, down from N2,300 in 2024, while half a tin of rice (12.5kg) now sells for N12,000 instead of N19,000. Another consumer, Member Nyor, said a mudu of guinea corn, previously N800, now costs N300, making it easier to prepare local drinks like kunu.
Traders Lament Heavy Losses
Despite consumer relief, traders are counting heavy losses after stocking up at high prices.
Onyemowo Ejeh said she bought 50kg bags of beans for N120,000 in December 2024, but now sells them for N85,000. Maize she bought for N85,000 per bag in January now sells for N45,000. She added that Bambara nuts she purchased for N185,000 now attract offers of N90,000, a loss too large for her to accept.
Another trader, Joseph Okoh, also reported that 50kg bags of guinea corn he bought for N70,000 are now priced at N45,000, but buyers remain scarce due to excess supply in the market.
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Farmers, too, are worried. Many say they bought farm inputs at very high prices and cannot recover their investments at current market rates.
Economists Call for Balance to Protect Farmers
Economist Jacob Idoko warned that sustained low prices are only possible if government subsidises farm inputs.
"If the government does not support farmers, they may not return to the farm. Prices will rise again, possibly worse than in 2024," he said.
Significant Price Drops in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa
Market surveys in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola-North and Numan revealed similar declines in food prices.
- Rice (50kg): from N78,000–N82,000 to N64,000–N65,000
- Maize (100kg): from N60,000–N65,000 to N40,000–N45,000
- White beans (100kg): from N105,000 to N85,000
- Fresh pepper (basket): from N70,000–N85,000 to N6,500–N8,500
- Millet (100kg): from N65,000 to N46,000
Dealers attributed the drop to increased access to farmlands due to improved security and a surge in new harvests.
However, many warned that without storage facilities, prices may rise again after the harvest season.
Mixed Reactions in Yobe and Adamawa
In Damaturu:
- White beans dropped from N6,000 to N3,000 per big measure
- Red beans: from N4,800 to N2,400
- Rice (big measure): from N5,000 to N2,500
- Maize: from N2,500 to N1,000
- Millet: from N2,600 to N800
Economists linked the declines to massive grain importation and improved supply, warning that reliance on imports may weaken long-term food security.
Price Relief in Imo and Abia, but Seasonal Pressures Remain
In Owerri and Umuahia, consumers also reported price relief across several food items. Traders credited the drop to favourable weather, increased harvests and stable transportation.
Tomatoes, pepper, garri, beans and rice all fell in price, while items like onions and yam saw slight increases due to seasonal factors and supply fluctuations.
In Aba, newly harvested produce was cheaper, but old-stock items remained high. For example:
- White garri (4-litre): from N2,600 to N1,200
- Red garri (4-litre): from N2,400 to N1,600
- Local rice (50kg): now N56,000–N60,000, down from N60,000–N70,000
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Across the states, traders and consumers urged the government to:
- Support farmers with input subsidies
- Improve storage and transportation
- Strengthen security around farmlands
- Improve rural road networks
- Balance imports with local production
Experts warned that while current price drops bring short-term relief, they may be temporary without stronger policies to protect farmers and stabilise supply.
