Are Food Prices Really Crashing? Nigerians Divided as Market Trends Shift

Are Food Prices Really Crashing? Nigerians Divided as Market Trends Shift

As reports continue to circulate that the prices of staple foods are dropping in some parts of Nigeria, citizens remain sharply divided on whether the relief is real — or merely a slight dip that changes nothing for household budgets already stretched thin.

Across social media, reactions have poured in from shoppers, farmers and everyday Nigerians who say their experiences at the market do not match the narrative of a meaningful price crash.

On Facebook, a heated discussion broke out after users were asked whether food items had truly become more affordable.

Mixed Market Realities
Some users acknowledged that a few staples have seen noticeable reductions — especially locally produced foods.

“Food like garri, rice, maize etc. But other things like groundnut oil, palm oil, soap, toothpaste… still expensive. The one wey crash self, money no dey buy.” — Kafila Olatomiyosi Abdullateef

Others argued the drops are too small to excite anyone, emphasizing that price levels remain far above what they were a year ago.

“When the price skyrocketed, they said it increased. When the prices reduce with little margin they term it crashing. From 63k to 30k, that’s crashing — not slight drop and you say crash.” — John Stiles Tope

For some, the issue isn’t even the prices — but purchasing power.

“Yes, but there is no money to buy it.” — Ayoola Bukola Temitayo

Where You Live Matters
Market prices appear to differ depending on the location:

“Rice is 63k in Bodija market. Garri is 400 per congo.” — Balogun Alice Damilola Olonitola

Shoppers say small markets and local shops often haven’t adjusted prices yet.
“Yes at big big market, not at (agbolé).” — Abdullahi Babatunde Sha’aba

Farmers Say They Are Losing
The decline coincides with harvest season, leading to oversupply — especially for crops like rice and cassava.

“This is harvest season. There’s much supply in the market. We farmers are losing o.” — Ifeanyi Nelson Okom

Only Some Items Are Cheaper
Multiple users pointed out that while food may be fluctuating slightly, other essentials remain painfully high.

“We want other items to come down too like cars, building materials, electronics etc. No be only food we come chop for life.” — Folashade Beatrice Balogun