Food prices in Nigeria continued their upward climb in March 2026, with staple commodities such as rice, beans, garri, onions, and ginger all recording noticeable increases, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figures, contained in the Selected Food Price Watch Report released by the NBS, highlight ongoing pressure on household budgets despite varying market realities reported across different parts of the country.
Local Rice Prices Jump Over 20% in One Month
One of the most significant movements was recorded in the price of 50kg local rice (short grain), which rose by 20.5 percent month-on-month.
The NBS stated that the average price climbed to ₦112,000 in March 2026, up from ₦92,946 in February 2026.
For many households, rice remains a core staple, and such a sharp monthly increase reflects continued strain in the food supply chain.
However, market observations suggest a more complex picture on the ground. Recent checks by Vanguard indicate that the same 50kg bag of local short-grain rice is currently selling at an average of about ₦60,000 in some markets, pointing to wide disparities in pricing depending on location, brand, and supply channels.
Imported Rice Also Gets More Expensive
The cost of 50kg foreign rice also rose, though at a slower pace. The NBS reported a 3.06 percent increase, with prices moving from ₦110,589 in February to ₦133,975 in March 2026.
This suggests continued pressure on imported food items, likely influenced by foreign exchange costs and import logistics.
Broad-Based Increases Across Other Staples
Beyond rice, several other commonly consumed food items also recorded steady price increases during the period under review:
- A crate of 30 eggs rose by 2.0 percent month-on-month
- 1kg of brown beans increased to ₦1,325.85, up from ₦1,307.44
- 1kg of white garri sold loose climbed by 1.38 percent to ₦801.54
- 1kg of onion bulb increased by 1.59 percent to ₦1,153.14
- Fresh ginger (1kg) rose slightly by 0.61 percent to ₦5,541.25
The NBS summary reflects what many households have been experiencing: gradual but persistent inflation across everyday food items, even where increases appear modest on paper.
State-by-State Price Gaps Highlight Market Inequality
The report also revealed significant differences in food prices across Nigeria’s states, underscoring uneven market conditions nationwide.
For eggs, Taraba State recorded the highest average price at ₦6,999 per crate, while Niger State reported the lowest at ₦5,610.04.
For beans, Oyo State topped the chart at ₦1,937.20 per kg, while Taraba State recorded the lowest at ₦745, a striking contrast that reflects regional supply differences.
In the garri market, Abia State had the highest price at ₦1,075.45 per kg, while Plateau State recorded the lowest at ₦513.78.
Onions also showed wide variation: Abia State again recorded the highest average at ₦2,115.67 per kg, while Kwara State reported the lowest at ₦829.90.
What the Data Suggests for Households
Taken together, the figures point to a food market that remains volatile, with inflationary pressure still firmly embedded in staple commodities.
While the NBS data shows consistent month-on-month increases, the contrasting retail findings in local markets suggest uneven pricing dynamics—where location, supply routes, and purchasing power significantly shape what consumers ultimately pay.
For many Nigerian households, the reality remains unchanged: even small percentage increases across multiple food items quickly translate into higher overall living costs.
As one market trader in Lagos put it in general terms, “every week the price is different, and customers are always complaining—but we are also buying at higher prices from suppliers.”
With staple foods continuing to fluctuate, analysts say household food security will remain closely tied to inflation trends, transport costs, and broader economic pressures in the months ahead.