NBS reports sharp drop in food prices across Nigeria

NBS food prices drop Nigeria as garri, beans and rice record sharp declines, easing pressure on household budgets across states

The National Bureau of Statistics reported a significant drop in the prices of key staple foods across Nigeria, offering relief to households amid economic pressures.

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The NBS food prices drop Nigeria report, based on January 2026 data, showed that widely consumed items such as garri, beans, maize and rice recorded notable year-on-year declines compared with January 2025.

Garri recorded one of the most dramatic reductions. White garri fell from an average of N1,267.63 to N771.98, representing a 39.10 per cent drop.

Yellow garri also declined sharply from N1,358.96 to N821.91, a 39.52 per cent decrease.

Beans prices followed a similar trend. Brown beans dropped from N2,458.53 to N1,262.43, marking a steep 48.65 per cent decline.

White beans also fell significantly from N2,123.85 to N1,209.91, a 43.03 per cent reduction.

Maize prices declined as well, with white grains falling from N1,168.34 to N784.59, representing a 32.85 per cent decrease.

Rice recorded more moderate drops, as local rice fell by 10.94 per cent, while imported long-grain rice declined by 12.31 per cent.

Other food items, including fresh onions, sweet potatoes and tomatoes, also recorded price reductions, reflecting a broader easing in staple food costs.

Analysts say the trend could provide critical relief for consumers grappling with high living costs.

However, the data revealed mixed price movements across food categories.

Items such as crayfish, ginger, chicken and fish recorded increases, indicating persistent supply and distribution challenges in certain segments of the market.

State-level analysis showed notable disparities. Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa recorded some of the lowest prices for staple foods, while states such as Oyo and Bayelsa posted higher costs, highlighting regional variations in supply chains and market access.

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The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics suggest a shifting food price landscape, with declining staples offering cautious optimism for households, even as inflationary pressures remain in other sectors.

David Okere