Lagos Food Prices: Pepper Prices Soar by 132% as Markets Face Mixed Signals

Pepper Prices Soar by 132% as Lagos Food Prices Face Mixed Signals

Lagos markets are experiencing a mix of price drops and sharp hikes, leaving consumers struggling to balance their grocery budgets.  While staples like rice, vegetable oil, and tomatoes have seen a decline in prices, the costs of essential soup ingredients such as pepper, frozen foods, egusi, and ogbono have surged significantly.

The Nairametrics research team conducted its latest monthly food price survey in March 2025, covering major Lagos markets, including Mushin, Oyingbo, Mile 12, and Daleko.  The findings reveal a volatile pricing landscape where reductions in certain food categories are counteracted by sharp increases in others.

The biggest shock came from the price of pepper.  A medium-sized bag skyrocketed by 132.14%, jumping from N28,000 to N65,000.  A big bag followed suit, increasing by 50%, now selling at an average of N75,000 from the previous N50,000.

Frozen foods also saw dramatic price hikes.  The cost of Titus fish surged by 87.5%, with a kilogram now selling at N6,000 compared to February’s N3,200.  Kote (horse mackerel) increased by 40.63%, driven by logistical issues and currency fluctuations.

Egusi and ogbono prices also climbed steeply, making it more expensive for families to prepare traditional meals.  A bag of egusi, previously priced at N257,000, now costs between N300,000 and N320,000, reflecting a 24.51% increase.  Ogbono saw a similar trend, jumping by 12.73% from N550,000 to N620,000 per bag.

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Other essential food items recorded price increases as well.  A big bag of Irish potatoes now sells for N250,000, marking a 23.4% increase.  A 500g jar of Bournvita rose by 17.34% to N4,940 from its February price of N4,210.

Market traders attribute these sharp hikes to various factors.  Mrs. Amaka, a trader at Mushin market, said, “The drop in rice and oil prices is a relief, but the hike in egusi and ogbono is frustrating.  It’s like balancing a scale that never stays even.”

Mr. Sodiq, a Mile 12 trader, pointed out the reason behind the surge in pepper prices.  “The price of pepper went up because of supply issues from the North due to transportation costs and weather.  But tomatoes dropped as farmers had a bumper harvest this season.”

Meanwhile, some food items experienced price drops, providing slight relief to consumers. A 5-liter keg of palm oil saw a notable decline, dropping from N12,500 to N9,300, a 25.6% decrease.  Vegetable oil followed the trend, dipping by 19.35% to N12,500 from N15,500.

Instant noodles also became more affordable.  A 70 kg carton of Mini-mie noodles now sells for N8,000, down from N9,500, marking a 15.79% decrease.  The price of dry onions fell from N115,000 to N100,000, reflecting a 13.04% drop.

Rice lovers welcomed a decrease in prices as a 50 kg bag of Cap parboiled rice now averages N68,000, down from N78,000—a 12.82% dip.  Similarly, Mama Pride rice dropped by 11.34%, selling at N86,000.  The 1 kg bag of Honeywell wheat meal also recorded a decline, falling by 12.28% from N1,710 to N1,500.

Tomato prices saw a slight dip, with a big basket now selling for an average of N23,000, compared to the previous N25,300.

Despite these price reductions, consumers remain wary of the market’s unpredictable nature.  Ms. Adelani, a frozen food seller at Daleko market, noted that foreign exchange fluctuations and import complications are key drivers of the rising costs of frozen foods.

The Lagos food market remains highly unstable, with supply chain disruptions, fuel prices, and regional harvest yields shaping prices.  While some goods have become more affordable, the steep rise in essentials like pepper and egusi continues to strain household budgets.