Lagos Mainland, Nigeria – Residents of Lagos are raising alarm over the continuous surge in prices of essential food items across markets in the state.
A visit to popular markets like Mile 12, Oyingbo, and Ketu revealed sharp increases in the prices of rice, tomatoes, garri, and vegetables. A paint bucket of garri that previously sold for ₦1,200 now costs over ₦1,800, while a small basket of tomatoes has risen from ₦1,500 to ₦2,500.
Market traders blame the increase on high transportation costs, flooding in some producing states, and the naira’s depreciation.
“We’re not happy either, but we can’t sell at a loss,” said Mama Chinyere, a tomato seller at Mile 12.
Many Lagosians say they are adjusting their eating habits.
“I used to cook jollof rice twice a week, now it’s once in two weeks,” said Mrs. Aisha Sanni, a mother of four in Yaba.
Civil society groups are urging the government to provide market interventions and support local farmers to stabilize supply and reduce prices. For now, the average Lagos household continues to feel the squeeze, with food inflation becoming a growing burden.
