Nigerians Experience Economic Relief as Food Prices Decline Nationwide
After enduring months of escalating costs, Nigerian households are finally witnessing a welcome reversal in food prices across major markets. According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), November 2025 saw significant price drops for essential staples including rice, beans, and garri, signaling a gradual easing of the food inflation that has strained family budgets throughout the country.
Rice Prices Show Consistent Downward Trend
The NBS Selected Food Prices Watch report for November reveals that the average price for one kilogram of local rice decreased by 5.00 percent year-on-year, settling at ₦1,861.95. On a month-to-month comparison, prices fell by 2.71 percent from the ₦1,913.78 recorded in October 2025. Regional variations persist, with Kogi State reporting the highest average rice price at ₦2,159.99, while Bauchi emerged as the most affordable location with prices averaging ₦1,237.81. Geopolitical analysis shows the North-Central region with the highest average rice prices at ₦2,019.45, contrasting with the North-East region's more accessible average of ₦1,608.54.
Beans and Garri Experience Sharp Price Reductions
Brown beans demonstrated one of the most dramatic price corrections during the review period. The NBS data indicates a remarkable 43.14 percent year-on-year decline, bringing the average price per kilogram down to ₦1,547.03 in November. Month-on-month, the price reduction stood at 12.13 percent from October's ₦1,760.53. Imo State recorded the highest brown beans price at ₦2,174.39, while Adamawa State offered the most affordable option at just ₦725. Zonal analysis revealed the South-East and South-South regions with the highest average prices, while the North-East maintained the most economical position at ₦982.79.
Similarly, white garri prices experienced substantial relief with a 32.00 percent year-on-year decrease to ₦819.70 per kilogram. Monthly comparisons showed a 3.19 percent reduction from October's ₦846.69. Bayelsa State reported the highest garri prices at ₦1,164.28, while Plateau State offered the most budget-friendly option at ₦487.31.
Additional Staples Follow Downward Trajectory
Tomato prices also moderated significantly, with the average cost dropping 15.57 percent year-on-year to ₦1,243.02 in November. Month-on-month comparisons showed a 2.06 percent decrease. Imo State again recorded the highest tomato prices at ₦2,010.70, while Plateau State maintained its position as the most affordable market with prices averaging ₦684.38.
Onion prices followed this positive trend, declining 29.03 percent year-on-year to ₦1,332.77. Abia State reported the highest onion prices at ₦2,300.76, while Kwara State emerged as the most economical option with prices averaging ₦826.56.
Palm Oil Bucks the Overall Trend
Not all food items participated in the general price decline. Palm oil demonstrated a contrasting pattern, with the average price per liter increasing by 1.70 percent year-on-year to ₦2,508.73. However, month-on-month comparisons showed a slight dip of 1.70 percent. Enugu State recorded the highest palm oil prices, while Taraba State offered the most affordable rates.
Policy Measures and Economic Factors Driving Change
This easing of food prices follows strategic policy interventions implemented by President Bola Tinubu's administration in September 2025, aimed at stabilizing food supply chains and reducing market prices nationwide. Economic analysts confirm these measures are beginning to manifest in official statistical data.
Janet Ogochukwu, a respected economist and senior banking professional, attributes the price reductions to exchange rate stabilization. "Nigeria's exchange rate has stabilized significantly, allowing importers to better forecast foreign exchange requirements for imports," she explained, noting the naira's recent strength against the dollar.
The broader economic context reveals further encouraging developments. The NBS reported a slowdown in Nigeria's overall inflation rate for December 2025, with food inflation dropping dramatically to 10.84 percent—a substantial 29.0 percent reduction from December 2024's rate of 39.84 percent. This indicates Nigerian families are now spending considerably less on food purchases compared to the previous year, though December 2025 showed slightly slower progress compared to November's more pronounced improvements.
