Nigeria Food Prices Drop Up to 60% After Holiday Season

Shoppers across Abuja are getting a welcome surprise this month: their money is going much further at the market.

A sweep of major markets in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory shows food prices have tumbled since the holiday season ended. Fresh pepper has dropped from 5,000 naira to 2,500 naira per basket at Garki Market. Tomatoes that cost up to 8,000 naira in December now sell for as low as 3,500 naira.

The price drops are showing up in almost every aisle. Sweet potatoes fell from 3,000 naira to just 1,000 naira per basket in some markets. Onions, beans, yams, and chicken have all gotten cheaper too.

Official government statistics back up what shoppers are seeing. Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics reported that food inflation actually went negative in December, dropping 0.36% from the previous month.

Traders say two things are driving the lower prices. Harvest season brought more crops to market just as families started watching their budgets after holiday spending. At Garki Market, one tomato seller told reporters that customers who could only afford small amounts in December are now buying full baskets.

Not everything is cheaper. Irish potatoes jumped from 6,000 to 10,000 naira per basket, and rice prices stayed mostly flat. A 50kg bag of local rice still costs between 52,000 and 57,000 naira.

The Ripple Effect spreads beyond individual grocery bills. When food gets more affordable, families can redirect limited income toward school fees, healthcare, or small business investments. Local restaurants and food vendors also benefit from lower ingredient costs, potentially passing savings to their customers.

Some shoppers are cautiously optimistic but remember that prices can swing back up. Cyril Okocha, a local businessman, pointed out that the real challenge isn't just food costs but stagnant wages that haven't kept pace with inflation over recent years.

Market watchers warn that seasonal crops like tomatoes and peppers typically get expensive again during off-season months. Residents are urging the government to support farmers and strengthen supply chains so this relief lasts beyond the current harvest cycle.

For now, though, families heading to market are walking away with fuller bags and a bit more breathing room in their budgets.