Nigeria’s food prices climbed further in March 2026, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting that a 50kg bag of local rice rose to ₦112,000, up from ₦92,946 in February.

The latest figures were contained in the bureau’s Selected Food Price Watch report.

Rice prices jump, but markets tell a different story

According to the NBS, local rice recorded a 20.5 per cent increase within one month, while imported rice rose by 3.06 per cent to ₦133,975.

However, market checks in some areas suggest lower retail prices, with reports indicating that a 50kg bag of local rice sells for around ₦60,000 in certain locations.

The gap highlights ongoing disparities in pricing across markets nationwide.

Other staple foods record steady increases

The report also showed consistent price increases across key food items.

A crate of eggs rose by 2.0 per cent, while brown beans increased to ₦1,325.85 per kilogram.

White garri climbed to ₦801.54, onions reached ₦1,153.14, and fresh ginger edged higher to ₦5,541.25.

Wide state-by-state price differences

NBS data revealed significant variations across states.

Taraba recorded the highest egg price at ₦6,999, while Niger had the lowest at ₦5,610.04.

For beans, Oyo posted the highest price at ₦1,937.20 per kilogram, while Taraba recorded the lowest at ₦745.

Garri peaked in Abia at ₦1,075.45, with Plateau recording the lowest at ₦513.78.

Onions were highest in Abia at ₦2,115.67 and lowest in Kwara at ₦829.9.

Pressure on households deepens

The sustained rise in food prices continues to reflect inflationary pressure on household incomes, even as inconsistent market prices create uncertainty for consumers.