In a positive development for Nigerian households, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has confirmed a significant drop in the prices of several essential food items for the month of September 2025. This encouraging news was detailed in the bureau's latest Selected Food Prices Watch report, which was made public in Abuja on Tuesday, November 25.
Significant Price Drops for Key Staples
The data presents a clear picture of relief for consumers. The most dramatic decrease was observed in the price of brown beans, which saw a staggering 33.70% year-on-year reduction. This brought the average cost per kilogram down from N2,738.59 in September 2024 to N1,815.76 in September 2025. Compared to the previous month, the price also fell by 1.74%.
Another household staple, white garri, also became more affordable. Its price fell by 25.51% compared to the same period in 2024, dropping from N1,170.25 to N871.78 per kilogram. Month-on-month, the price saw a 6.52% decline.
Similarly, the average price for one kilogram of white grain maize sold loose decreased by 16.57% year-on-year, moving from N1,065.14 to N888.68. When compared to August 2025, the price was down by 6.56%.
Tomatoes also joined the trend, recording a year-on-year price reduction of 10.56%, settling at N1,279.84 from N1,430.87.
Notable Exceptions and Regional Variations
However, the report highlighted that not all food items followed this downward trend. The price of local rice experienced a slight year-on-year increase of 1.99%, rising to N1,952.94, though it did see a small month-on-month drop.
More significantly, the cost of boneless beef surged by 21.79% compared to September 2024, reaching N6,861.25 per kilogram.
The NBS report also shed light on the wide disparities in food costs across different states. For instance, Enugu State recorded the highest average price for brown beans at N2,337.58, while consumers in Yobe enjoyed the lowest price at just N1,223.42. Ebonyi State had the most expensive white garri, and Imo State saw the highest prices for white maize and boneless beef.
Government Action and Economic Context
This report arrives at a time when the federal government is actively seeking solutions to the high cost of living. The findings come after President Bola Tinubu directed a Federal Executive Council Committee to implement measures aimed at further reducing food prices. A key part of this initiative involves ensuring the safe and efficient passage of agricultural products across the country to curb losses and stabilize the market.
The regional analysis further indicated that the South-East and South-West zones had the highest average prices for brown beans, while the North-West had the lowest. For garri, the South-East and South-South led in prices, with the North-Central reporting the most affordable rates.
