Food prices across major Lagos markets surged in July 2025, with staples such as onions, rice, and pepper recording sharp increases, deepening pressure on household budgets.

According to the latest Naijaonpoint Food Price Survey, covering Mushin, Mile 12, Oyingbo, and Daleko markets, price increases dominated the period, although a few items recorded moderate declines due to seasonal harvests and improved supply.

The July 2025 survey revealed that inflationary trends, transport bottlenecks, and volatile supply chains remain key drivers of food market volatility in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Dry onions posted the sharpest month-on-month increase during the review period, rising by 30% from N100,000 to N130,000 for a big bag. Traders linked the spike to seasonal scarcity, poor road conditions, surging transport costs from northern production zones where the bulk of the commodity is sourced, and increased storage costs.
Rice 50kg (Mama Gold, other local rice brands with similar price changes) followed closely, rising by 25% to an average of N75,000 from N60,000 in June. Market operators noted that continued naira depreciation and elevated logistics costs are driving the increase in both imported and locally processed rice brands.

A big bag of pepper rose by 16.67% to sell at N140,000, while the medium bag increased by 15.38% to N75,000. This increase marks a reversal of the sharp price declines recorded in previous months.

Traders attributed the spike to weather-related disruptions in northern Nigeria and supply chain irregularities.

These price hikes mirror tightening supply chains and escalating production expenses, particularly in grain-based food production, which continue to strain consumer purchasing power.

Traders remain cautious, as shrinking profit margins and volatile transportation costs persistently disrupt operations.

Despite widespread inflation, a number of food items saw price corrections in July, mostly due to improved harvests and stabilizing logistics.

Yellow Maize (50kg) recorded the steepest drop at 16.67%, falling to N65,000 from N78,000.

Traders attributed the drop to fresh harvest arrivals from key grain-producing areas.

Traders noted that the recent drop in yam and maize prices is seasonal, usually occurring after early harvests in key producing states like Niger, Kaduna, and Plateau.

At Oyingbo market, grain traders described the price movements as erratic and largely driven by logistics and weather fluctuations.

In Daleko Market, bulk food merchants expressed concern over thinning margins, even with rising prices.

The sudden 30% surge in the price of onions sparked frustration among consumers across Lagos markets, particularly those who rely heavily on onions for daily cooking.

“Onions are no longer affordable. A single sack is now N130,000, that’s more than my monthly profit. I had to reduce how much I use in my soup. Customers are already complaining about the taste.” She told Naijaonpoint.

Meanwhile, the drop in the price of pasta, particularly Golden Penny and Power brands, offered a modest reprieve to some shoppers, though many remained cautious.

“I noticed pasta came down this month—N950 is better than N1,100. I bought a few extra packs for my children. It’s still not cheap, but every bit helps.”

“As a student on a tight budget, cheaper pasta makes a difference. It’s my go-to meal, so I stocked up when I saw the price drop.”

Food inflation in July could continue the upward trajectory seen in June if market trends in other states mirror the food price swings recorded in Lagos. According to the June 2025 inflation report released by the NBS, food inflation edged up to 21.97% from 21.14% in May. The increase was driven by rising prices of essential staples such as pepper, tomatoes, plantain flour, shrimps, and others.

Notably, Lagos recorded a sharp jump in food inflation in June, climbing by 6.6% to 21.7% from 15.1% in May. With persistent price pressures across key staple foods, Lagos (and potentially other major urban areas) may see further food inflationary pressure in July.

The Naijaonpoint Food Price Watch is a monthly market survey tracking the prices of major food items across Nigeria.

This report specifically covers four key markets in Lagos State: Mushin Market, Daleko Market, Oyingbo Market, and Mile 12 Market.

The survey provides up-to-date insights into food price trends, helping businesses, policymakers, and consumers make informed decisions.