Analysts forecast drop in food prices after major cost crash
Story by Kasim Isa Muhammad
Potiskum Local Government Area in Yobe State has witnessed a significant drop in the prices of grains this week, bringing relief to both buyers and sellers who have been grappling with rising costs in recent months.
According to the latest market update as of September 26, 2025, staple grains such as maize, millet, sorghum, and beans recorded notable price reductions, while other commodities like rice, groundnut, and melon maintained relatively high price ranges.
At the Potiskum Grain Market, the price of old maize now ranges between ₦35,000 and ₦38,000 per bag, slightly below the ₦40,000 mark it reached earlier this season.
New maize is selling even lower, between ₦28,000 and ₦30,000. Millet has also seen encouraging changes: newly harvested millet is now available for ₦24,000 to ₦27,000, while older stock sells for ₦35,000 to ₦40,000 per bag. Sorghum, another staple, is priced between ₦25,000 and ₦27,000.
For beans, white beans (large variety) are selling between ₦65,000 and ₦73,000, while red beans (large variety) are priced at ₦70,000 to ₦75,000 per bag. Though still high, traders say these prices represent a slight improvement compared to previous weeks.
READ ALSO: Grain prices drop significantly in Ngelzarma market, Yobe State
Other commodities also showed mixed price movements. Roselle, popularly known as dried zobo flower, is currently sold between ₦20,000 and ₦21,000. Melon ranges from ₦54,000 to ₦55,000, with some variants reaching ₦60,000 to ₦65,000. Rice remains the most expensive staple: polished rice is fixed at ₦125,000 per bag, while broken and processed varieties vary in price depending on quality and source. Groundnuts are also high, trading between ₦130,000 and ₦135,000.
Sellers in Potiskum expressed cautious optimism about the new price trends. Many attributed the decline to the ongoing harvest season, which has increased supply in the markets.
“The arrival of new grains has started easing the pressure on prices. Buyers now have more choices, and we can move stock faster,” said one trader.
Buyers, on the other hand, welcomed the drop but stressed that prices are still beyond the reach of many low-income households.
A resident and regular buyer noted, “We thank God that maize and millet are becoming cheaper, but the cost of beans, rice, and groundnuts is still very high. Families are struggling to balance their meals with the little they can afford.”
READ ALSO: Consumers, traders celebrate sharp drop in grain prices at Bajoga Market, Gombe
The Potiskum Grains Market is one of the largest in the Northeast, serving as a major hub for the distribution of grains across Yobe State and neighbouring regions.
Analysts believe that prices may continue to decline in the coming weeks if the harvest season remains favourable and transportation challenges are minimised.
The latest development has offered some relief to households and traders, marking a hopeful turn in a season previously dominated by inflation and food scarcity concerns.
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