Food prices across major Lagos markets recorded mixed but largely easing trends in April, offering temporary relief for households even as structural cost pressures remain firmly in place.
The ease is attributable to improved supply conditions and easing logistics pressures, as the price of fuel dropped from N1,320 per litre in March to N1,245, triggering a sharp reversal from the price surge seen in the previous month.
The market survey by Nairametrics tracked a bucket of 67 staple food items across Mushin, Daleko, Mile 12 and Oyingbo markets, showing price moderation strengthened in April.
What the data is saying
The April outcome of the Lagos market food price survey reflects a growing correction phase following the first three months of the year’s supply tightness, though traders warn that gains remain fragile.
- Out of the 67 tracked items, 44 items declined in price, from 13 items that declined in the previous month’s survey.
- In contrast, 18 recorded MoM price increases, down significantly from 43 items that rose in March, while 5 items remained flat, compared with 12 items in March.
- According to NBS, Nigeria’s headline inflation increased to 15.38% in March 2026, while the food inflation rate was 14.31%, reinforcing the upward food price movement during the period.
- Lagos State food inflation outpaced headline inflation, indicating price declines, relief rather than affordability.
What buyers and sellers are saying
The April data signals a cooling phase in food price movements, largely driven by improved inflows of farm produce according to the sellers, relative stability in transport costs, and demand adjustments.
- “At least now we can breathe small. Beans and pepper coming down is helping,” said Mrs. Nonye, a purchaser in Mushin market.
- “When prices drop, more customers come back. But we are still careful because prices can change anytime,” Osy, a grain vendor in Oyingbo, explained.
- “Some items are still going up because the supply is not yet stable. Especially things like egusi and tomatoes since they depend heavily on the season.” Mr. Oriade, a tomato trader in Mile 12, contributed.
- “After the March rush, supplies came back into the market. Trucks are coming in more regularly now, and that’s why prices are dropping.” Mrs. Abeni, a trader in Daleko market, noted.
Items that witnessed a price spike
Even though most food prices went down, some important items still became more expensive, especially soup ingredients and grains. This is mainly because they are harder to find at this time of year, and the leftover supplies from the dry season are running low.
- A big bag of melon rose from N252,500 in March to N330,000 in April, representing a 30.69% increase.
- A big basket of round-shaped tomatoes rose from N50,000 to N65,000, while oval-shaped tomatoes increased from N35,000 to N40,000.
- A 50kg bag of white and yellow Garri each increased by 25% to N25,000, reversing earlier moderation. Notably, a 15-paint-filled bag (<50kg) is sold for N20,000 to give the buyers more purchasing options.
- Similarly, Royal Stallion rice rose 13.2% to N60,000, while Mama’s Pride rice returned to N65,000 from N57,500, up 13%.
- A big bush of bush mango seed (Ogbono) increased from N246,500 to N300,000.
- A 5kg bag of Honeywell semo rose by 13.85% to N7,400, while the 2kg variant increased by almost 11% to N3,100.
Items that recorded price relief
On the flip side, April saw significant relief in several staple categories, particularly proteins, beans, and processed food items.
- Brown beans (>50kg) recorded one of the steepest declines, dropping from N180,000 in March to N120,000, a 33.3% drop. Oloyin beans (50kg) also fell to N65,000, reversing much of the sharp increases recorded in the previous month.
- Frozen food prices declined notably, with a kilogram of Titus (mackerel) dropping by 26.32% from N9,500 to N7,000, and Kote (horse mackerel) easing by 11.76% to N7,500, while chicken laps declining almost 23% from N65,000 to N50,200 per carton.
- Pepper, which saw extreme spikes in March, recorded a sharp correction. The price of a big bag dropped from N140,000 to N105,000.
- 0.9kg of Olaola poundo yam flour declined by 23%, while tuber of yam prices dropped nearly 16%, followed by an increased tuber harvest.
Other notable declines are 350g refill Ovaltine (-18.08%), 800g refill Milo (-14.8%), 500g packet of power pasta (-16%), and a big basket of sweet potatoes (-14.29%).
However, five items tracked in the survey recorded no change in price during the period, including gas refill, milk, and wheat.
About the Nairametrics Food Price Survey
The Nairametrics Food Price Watch is a monthly market survey tracking the prices of major food items across Nigeria.
This report specifically covers four key markets in Lagos State: Mushin, Daleko, Oyingbo, and Mile 12 Market.
The survey provides up-to-date insights into food price trends, helping businesses, policymakers, and consumers make informed decisions.
