The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant decline in the prices of key staple foods in Nigeria during March 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. According to its latest Selected Food Price Watch report, brown beans recorded the steepest drop, falling by 49.32 percent year-on-year to N1,325.85 per kilogram from N2,616.26. White garri also decreased by 41.19 percent to N801.54 per kilogram. A crate of eggs declined by 20.12 percent to N6,127.62, while onions fell by 19.63 percent to N1,153.14 per kilogram.
Monthly Price Pressures Persist
Despite the annual declines, the NBS noted that prices of most commodities recorded marginal increases when compared with February 2026. This indicates continued pressures from transportation, logistics, and energy costs. Fresh ginger remained on an upward trajectory, rising by 20.46 percent year-on-year to N5,541.25 per kilogram, driven largely by supply constraints.
Regional Price Disparities
The report also highlighted significant price disparities across states. Oyo State recorded the highest price for beans at N1,937.2 per kilogram, while Taraba posted the lowest at N745. Abia State recorded the highest prices for garri and onions at N1,075.45 and N2,115.67 per kilogram, respectively. Overall, the South-East emerged as the most expensive zone for most staple foods.
Broader Economic Context
The moderation in food prices comes amid broader macroeconomic pressures. Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.38 percent in March 2026. Additionally, the country’s food import bill climbed to N7.65 trillion in 2025, according to the NBS.
