Average Food Prices in Nigeria Rise in February 2026

News in Brief:

-Food prices in Nigeria rose in February 2026, with several staples recording month-on-month surges driven by supply and market fluctuations.

-Experts say persistent volatility is linked to high input costs, insecurity, and weak logistics systems, urging stronger value-chain interventions to stabilise prices for farmers and consumers.

Food prices across Nigeria rose in February 2026 compared to January, as persistent pressures pushed costs northward.

According to the latest Selected Food Price Watch report, the average price of brown beans stood at ₦1,307.44 per kilogram, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline of 46.98%, but a 3.57% increase compared to January 2026. Similarly, locally produced rice dropped by 11.01% year-on-year to ₦1,858.93, while rising slightly by 0.93% month-on-month.

Other staples followed a similar pattern. Garri prices fell sharply by 38.10% year-on-year to ₦790.62, but increased by 2.42% from the previous month. Tomatoes declined marginally by 3.03% year-on-year but recorded a 5.15% monthly increase, while crayfish prices surged by 36.41% annually, reflecting continued pressure on protein sources.

Regional Price Gaps Persist

Price variations across states and regions remain significant, creating both opportunities and risks for agribusiness players. Oyo State recorded the highest price for beans at ₦1,924.61, while Taraba had the lowest at ₦700. Rice prices peaked in Kogi at ₦2,167.92 but were lowest in Bauchi at ₦1,544.78.

Regionally, the South-South and South-West zones recorded the highest prices for several commodities, while northern regions generally saw lower prices. These disparities point to ongoing inefficiencies in distribution, storage, and market access.

For farmers and traders, these gaps highlight opportunities for inter-state trade, aggregation, and improved logistics to maximise profit margins.

Farmers Grapple with Costs and Market Inefficiencies

Agricultural experts say the fluctuations reflect deeper structural issues within Nigeria’s food system. High input costs, including fertilisers, seeds, and labour, continue to erode farmers’ margins, even with government support programmes.

In addition, insecurity in farming communities has disrupted production cycles, limiting supply and contributing to price instability. Poor transportation networks and inadequate storage facilities also lead to post-harvest losses, further distorting market prices.

Stakeholders emphasise that while interventions such as subsidies and credit schemes are helpful, greater focus is needed on the entire value chain—from production to distribution.

For farmers and agribusiness owners, stabilising food prices will depend on improved logistics, better market coordination, and stronger policy implementation to ensure consistent supply and sustainable returns.