Ramadan 2026: Sharp Price Hikes for Rice, Beans Hit Nigerian Markets
A recent survey of Nigerian markets has revealed significant price increases for key staple foods as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences. Traders in various regions have adjusted prices upward, impacting items such as rice, beans, maize, and groundnuts, while minor declines were noted for commodities like palm oil and selected vegetables.
Price Surges Across Key States
According to reports, traders in Abuja, Taraba, and Kaduna states have taken advantage of the seasonal demand surge to hike prices. In Abuja, modest rises include beans per bag increasing from N50,000 to N90,000, maize per bag rising from N25,000 to N27,000, and local rice jumbo packs approaching N100,000. Kaduna saw beans doubling from N700 to N1,400 per local measure.
Taraba recorded the most substantial price jumps, with white beans (100kg) rising from N65,000 to N110,000, paddy rice (100kg) increasing from N18,000 to between N28,000 and N30,000, maize (100kg) going up from N15,000–N18,000 to N23,000–N24,000, groundnut (100kg) climbing from N30,000 to N45,000, dried cassava (100kg) jumping from N3,500 to N7,000, locally processed rice per measure increasing from N1,400 to N1,800, and white beans per measure rising from N900 to between N1,800 and N2,000.
Stability in Lagos and Kano Markets
In contrast, markets in Lagos and Kano have shown relative price stability, resisting the typical seasonal surge. In Lagos, beans per bag are priced at N60,000, long-grain rice costs N75,000, short-grain rice is N55,000, tomatoes per bag are N36,000, pepper per bag costs N46,000, a half-bag of pepper is N20,000, and frozen chicken per kg is N4,800. However, onions have risen from N70,000 to N90,000 per bag.
In Kano, Gerewa rice (50kg) is priced at N52,000, BUA rice (50kg) costs N52,500, AA Rano rice (50kg) is N51,500 with a 25kg pack at N27,000, sugar per bag is N70,000, mudu of sugar is N4,500, and flour per bag costs N60,000. Fresh produce in Kano saw only minor changes, including tomatoes at N800 per bowl, tatashe at N1,500, onions at N2,000, Irish potatoes at N7,500 per basket, and medium yams at N5,000 per tuber.
Context of Nigeria's Food Inflation
This price surge occurs despite Nigeria recently recording its lowest food inflation rate in a decade. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation fell sharply to 8.89% in January 2026, marking the first single-digit reading since May 2015. This data signals a major turnaround after years of persistent double-digit increases that squeezed household budgets across the country.
Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and heightened devotion for Muslims, often leads to increased demand for food items, prompting traders to adjust prices. The current market dynamics highlight the challenges faced by consumers during this season, with some areas experiencing sharp hikes while others maintain stability.
