Food Prices Rise in Abuja as Traders Lament Low Sales, Citizens Demand FG Intervention
Soaring food inflation has once again tightened its grip on Nigerian households, with traders and consumers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) decrying the relentless rise in food prices and a sharp drop in market patronage.
A market survey conducted across Abuja and its satellite towns reveals a dramatic spike in staple food prices, leaving many consumers struggling to feed their families and traders selling below cost just to stay afloat. From tomatoes and onions to yams and potatoes, the price hike has cut across key nutritional staples.
Shock Inflation in Staples: From Tomatoes to Tubers
At the popular Orange Market along Abuja-Keffi Road — regarded as a hub for bulk food supplies — prices have doubled in just two months:
- Basket of tomatoes: ₦65,000–₦75,000 (up from ₦25,000–₦35,000 in May)
- Big bag of onions: ₦45,000–₦50,000 (up from ₦15,000–₦25,000)
- Dustbin basket of onions: ₦5,500–₦6,000 (was ₦2,500–₦3,000)
- Big yam tuber: ₦8,000 each (small size now ₦4,500)
- Sweet potatoes (dustbin basket): ₦3,000–₦4,500 (was ₦1,500–₦2,000)
At Wuse Market, a small basket of tomatoes previously selling for ₦5,000–₦7,000 now goes for ₦12,000–₦15,000. Other critical commodities such as pepper (₦17,000) and tatashe (₦22,000) have followed a similar inflationary path.
“I now sell tomatoes below cost price just to attract customers. People are buying on credit or asking for drastic price cuts,” said Mr. Idris Ahmed, a vegetable trader at Apo Market.
Food Inflation Meets Falling Demand
The sharp increase in food prices is not only hurting consumers — it’s also triggering an unexpected drop in sales, as many Nigerians can no longer afford even basic ingredients.
“I used to sell goods worth ₦20,000 daily, now I barely sell ₦5,000,” said Madam Alheri Yohanna, a pepper seller in Gwagwalada Market.
“Customers buy in smaller quantities, and some walk away entirely.”
Hassan Husseini, another trader, revealed the price of a basket of Irish potatoes had moved from ₦12,000 to ₦14,000 in weeks. “The cost of transporting these goods is killing us, and it’s passed on to the customer,” he added.
Consumers Adjust to Harsh Realities
For low- and middle-income earners, the food price crisis has become a direct threat to nutrition and overall welfare. Many households now skip meals or cut out protein altogether.
“I’ve stopped including meat and fish in my children’s meals,” said Ms. Ifeoma Atuegwu, a single mother of three.
“It’s either school fees or feeding — not both.”
Mrs. Rebecca Terve, a mother of five, added:
“Everything is expensive now. Even ₦5,000 can’t get you enough tomatoes and onions for a week.”
Rice Prices Drop Slightly, Garri Stays Stable
In a rare glimmer of relief, prices of rice have seen a slight decline, with a 50kg bag now selling between ₦70,000 and ₦77,000, down from the earlier peak of ₦80,000–₦87,000, depending on brand and market.
A bag of garri, however, has remained relatively stable, offering marginal consolation to buyers relying on less expensive staples.
“Government intervention on rice may have helped ease prices a bit,” said Mr. Raphael Ogodo, a rice seller at Nyanya Market.
“We need the same support for other food items urgently.”
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT
Nigeria’s worsening food price crisis is symptomatic of deeper structural challenges: climate shocks, rising transportation costs, exchange rate volatility, and insecurity in key food-producing regions. Without decisive intervention — such as targeted agricultural subsidies, transport relief for food logistics, and urgent fiscal measures — the gap between food affordability and food access will continue to widen.
The current trend not only threatens household food security, but also undermines retail commerce, depresses consumer spending, and risks worsening already fragile nutrition outcomes, especially among children and low-income families.
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