Fluctuating prices hit Yobe markets amid harvest, rising transport costs
Story by Kasim Isa MUHAMMAD
Grain traders at Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State have reported mixed price movements in various grains as of Friday, October 31, 2025.
The Potiskum grain market, known as one of the largest grain hubs in the Northeast, witnessed fluctuations attributed to the ongoing harvest season, transport costs, and varying demand from buyers within and outside the state.
READ ALSO:Prices of essential food items at Potiskum Market, Yobe
According to traders at the market, the price of maize currently ranges between ₦31,000 and ₦33,000 per bag, depending on quality and source. Millet sold between ₦32,000 and ₦35,000, while older stock of millet maintained a slightly higher rate of ₦36,000 to ₦37,000 per bag due to better taste and storage value.
Sorghum prices showed inconsistencies in different stalls. Some traders sold it within ₦31,000 to ₦32,000, while others offered the grain between ₦30,000 and ₦35,000, depending on the variety and moisture level.
READ ALSO: Grain prices drop significantly in Ngelzarma market, Yobe State
A few sellers attributed this price difference to the arrival of new harvests and varying quality across supply chains.
In the legume section, prices of beans remained relatively high despite the new harvest. New white beans of large size were sold between ₦65,000 and ₦70,000, while new red beans of large size traded between ₦65,000 and ₦67,000.
Sellers explained that despite fresh arrivals, transport and processing costs kept prices firm. Buyers, however, complained that the rates were still beyond the reach of average households.
READ ALSO: Grain prices drop in Potiskum market, Yobe State, residents, traders welcome relief
Roselle, popularly known as Zobo (dried flower), remained affordable, selling between ₦20,000 and ₦21,000 per bag.
Melons varied widely depending on type and quality. The main variety went for ₦50,000 to ₦54,000, while another variant was sold between ₦43,000 and ₦44,000.
Rice prices also reflected diverse consumer options. Locally polished rice, known as Shinkafa, is sold at ₦95,000 per bag, while processed rice fetched between ₦22,000 and ₦25,000 depending on grade.
READ ALSO:Prices of beans shoot up while costs of other grains drop at Potiskum Market
Traders noted that polished rice was in higher demand from urban buyers, while the processed type attracted bulk buyers and retailers due to affordability.
New groundnut prices stood between ₦85,000 and ₦87,000, while unshelled groundnuts sold between ₦95,000 and ₦100,000 per bag. Sellers explained that despite good harvests, transportation challenges and high fuel prices were impacting supply costs.
A trader, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, said, “This year’s harvest is good, but the cost of moving grains from farms to the market is high. That’s why buyers still feel prices are expensive.”
READ ALSO: Prices of millet, maize, others drop as costs of beans fluctuate at popular grain market
On the buyers’ side, a consumer, Aisha Bello, lamented that food prices have remained high despite reports of improved harvests. “Even with new grains in the market, the prices are not coming down as we expected. It’s affecting families and small traders,” she said.
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