The prices of essential food items in Nigeria witnessed significant increases in September 2024, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
In its “Selected Food Prices Watch” report, released in Abuja, the NBS highlighted steep hikes across staples such as beans, eggs, bread, and rice, intensifying concerns over food affordability.
One of the most dramatic increases was in the price of brown beans, which surged by an astonishing 281.97% year-on-year, from N716.97 per kilogram in September 2023 to N2,738.59 in September 2024. Similarly, the cost of a dozen medium-sized Agric eggs rose by 137.43% in the same period, from N1,047.47 to N2,487.04.
“The average price of sliced bread also experienced a notable increase,” the NBS stated, recording a 115.74% rise from N708.36 in September 2023 to N1,528.19 in September 2024. Month-on-month, these staples also saw continued price increases, with brown beans rising by 6.37% and eggs by 8.46% from their August prices.
Rice and beef were not spared from the price surge. The average price of 1kg of local rice increased by 152.92% year-on-year, from N757.06 to N1,914.77, while 1kg of boneless beef saw a 99.99% rise, going from N2,816.91 in 2023 to N5,633.60 in 2024.
The cost of tomatoes also jumped by 152.94%, with 1kg now priced at N1,430.87 compared to N565.69 the previous year.
These sharp increases in food prices have raised concerns among consumers, especially as inflation pressures household budgets nationwide.
