Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics reported that food prices continued to show mixed trends in April 2026, with month‑on‑month increases across staples such as tomatoes, beans, garri, onions, ginger, and palm oil, while year‑on‑year comparisons revealed sharp declines for most items. Tomatoes rose 6.6 percent from March to April, beans gained nearly 1 percent, garri climbed 0.9 percent, onions increased 1 percent, ginger rose 0.7 percent, and palm oil edged up 0.1 percent.
Despite these short‑term rises, the report highlighted steep annual drops, with beans down almost 45 percent compared with April 2025, garri falling nearly 40 percent, and tomatoes and onions also cheaper than a year earlier. Ginger and palm oil were exceptions, recording annual increases of 12.3 percent and 4.8 percent respectively. Analysts say the figures reflect seasonal supply pressures and regional market variations, while longer‑term declines point to adjustments in demand and production.
State level data showed wide disparities: Bayelsa posted the highest tomato prices at N1,600.73 per kilogram, while Plateau recorded the lowest at N730.48. Oyo had the highest bean prices at N1,938.91 compared with Taraba’s N750. Abia led in garri and onions, Ekiti topped palm oil, and the South‑South and South‑East zones consistently reported higher averages than the North‑West and North‑East. Ginger prices were highest in the South‑West at N6,812.92, while the North‑East recorded the lowest at N881.12.
The bureau’s monitoring was prompted by persistent concerns over food inflation and its impact on households. Economists note that while month on month increases suggest ongoing supply challenges, the year on year declines may ease pressure on consumers in some regions. The NBS emphasized that accurate price tracking remains critical for shaping policy responses and ensuring food security as Nigeria continues to grapple with inflationary pressures and uneven market conditions across the country.
