Maize, millet prices fall as rice, beans surge despite harvest season
Story by Kasim Isa MUHAMMAD
Major markets in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State have witnessed a noticeable drop in grain prices this week, bringing relief to both consumers and traders after months of rising costs.
As of October 24, 2025, market reports indicate that staple grains such as maize, millet, sorghum, and beans have recorded price reductions, while items like rice, groundnut, and melon remain relatively expensive.
At the Potiskum Grain Market, a bag of old maize now sells between ₦32,000 and ₦34,000, slightly below the ₦40,000 recorded earlier in the season. New maize is even cheaper, trading between ₦26,000 and ₦30,000 per bag.
Millet has also seen a downward adjustment, with newly harvested millet priced between ₦24,000 and ₦27,000, while older stock sells for ₦35,000 to ₦40,000. Sorghum remains fairly affordable, ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦27,000 per bag.
Bean prices, though still high, have also shown some improvement. The large white variety now costs between ₦65,000 and ₦73,000, while the large red beans are sold between ₦70,000 and ₦75,000 per bag.
Other commodities show mixed movements. Roselle (dried zobo flower) currently sells between ₦20,000 and ₦21,000 per bag, while melon ranges from ₦54,000 to ₦55,000, with some premium types reaching up to ₦65,000.
Rice remains the most expensive staple, with polished rice fixed at ₦125,000 per bag, and broken or processed varieties varying by quality and source. Groundnuts are also selling high, between ₦130,000 and ₦135,000 per bag.
Traders in the market expressed cautious optimism about the current trend, attributing the price drop to the ongoing harvest season, which has increased supply in the market.
“The arrival of new grains has eased the pressure on prices. Buyers have more options now, and sales are improving,” said one trader.
Buyers, however, say that prices, though lower, are still beyond the reach of many low-income households.
“We are grateful that maize and millet are becoming cheaper, but beans, rice, and groundnuts remain very expensive. Many families are struggling to manage with what they can afford,” said a local resident.
The Potiskum grain market is one of the largest in northeastern Nigeria, serving as a key distribution hub for Yobe State and neighbouring regions. Analysts predict that prices may continue to decline in the coming weeks if the harvest remains stable and transportation costs are minimised.
The recent drop in prices has provided much-needed relief to households and traders alike, marking a positive turn in a season previously dominated by inflation and food supply challenges.
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