The latest data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics shows that prices of several staple foods fell in September, easing pressure on households after months of volatility. The agency’s monthly food price report indicates notable year-on-year drops for items such as brown beans, garri, maize and tomatoes, with most also recording declines compared with August. The steepest reductions were seen in brown beans and white garri, while maize and tomatoes also trended downward.
Not all food items followed the same pattern. Local rice inched up slightly over the past year even though it dipped compared with the previous month, and boneless beef rose sharply year-on-year while remaining relatively stable month-to-month. The bureau notes that these mixed movements reflect shifting supply conditions across markets and regions.
The report also highlights wide price variations across the country. States in the South-East generally posted the highest costs for beans, garri and tomatoes, while several northern states recorded the lowest averages. Rice was priciest in Enugu and cheapest in Lagos, and boneless beef ranged from highs in Imo to lows in Benue. Regional analysis shows southern zones dominating the upper end of price ranges for many staples, with the North-West and North-Central recording some of the lowest levels.
