Food prices surge in Lagos as Christmas draws near

As the festive season approaches, food prices in Nigeria have surged dramatically, with staples like rice, garri, tomatoes, and beans becoming unaffordable for many households.

A recent survey shows that prices are rising daily, creating financial strain, especially for lower-income families.

The unpredictable price fluctuations are deepening the country’s ongoing cost of living crisis, affecting both low-income and middle-class Nigerians.

As Christmas approaches, food prices in Nigeria are skyrocketing, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic staples. A market survey reveals the following price hikes:

Meats and Fish: A carton of Orobo chicken lap is now ₦45,000, while normal chicken lap costs ₦52,000. Fish prices are similarly high: Panla (₦37,000), Cote (₦65,000), Sharwa (₦62,000), Titus (₦147,000), and Argentina fish (₦9,000). Goats are sold for ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 depending on size.

Staples: Rice prices vary: Ken G rice (₦63,000), OPPI (₦105,000), and Long Rice (₦110,000) per bag. A bottle of Kings groundnut oil has increased from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000, while garri now ranges from ₦3,000 to ₦3,200 per paint bucket.

Vegetables: A big basket of tomatoes costs ₦50,000 at Mile 12 and ₦55,000 at Ikotun. Fresh pepper prices range from ₦45,000 to ₦55,000 depending on the market.

Other Items: Yams cost between ₦2,000 and ₦7,000, depending on size. Palm oil has doubled in price, now at ₦2,000 per bottle. Spaghetti ranges from ₦1,000 to ₦1,300, while a crate of eggs is between ₦5,500 and ₦6,000, with predictions of reaching ₦7,000 by Christmas.

Other factors contributing to these price hikes include high transportation costs and the depreciation of the naira. Traders blame these factors, but some also inflate prices for profit. Consumers are feeling the burden, with many struggling to afford even basic meals.