The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported mixed movements in the prices of key food items in March 2026, as Nigerians continue to contend with unstable food costs across markets nationwide.
In its Selected Food Prices Watch report released in Abuja, the bureau said while several staple commodities recorded significant year-on-year declines, most items still posted marginal increases on a month-on-month basis, underscoring persistent short-term price pressures.
The report showed that the average price of a crate of 30 eggs fell by 20.12 per cent year-on-year, dropping from N7,670.56 in March 2025 to N6,127.63 in March 2026. However, it rose by 2.00 per cent compared to February 2026, when it stood at N6,007.35.
Similarly, the price of 1kg of brown beans declined sharply by 49.39 per cent year-on-year to N1,325.85 from N2,616.26. Despite this annual drop, it still recorded a 1.41 per cent increase month-on-month from N1,307.44 in February.
For garri, the NBS said the average price of 1kg of white garri dropped by 41.19 per cent year-on-year to N801.40 from N1,362.96. Yet, it rose by 1.38 per cent on a monthly basis from N790.62, reflecting continued volatility in staple food pricing.
Onions followed a similar trend, with the average price of 1kg decreasing by 19.63 per cent year-on-year to N1,153.14 from N1,434.85. However, it increased by 1.59 per cent month-on-month compared to N1,135.12 recorded in February.
The report further revealed that fresh ginger recorded a contrary movement, rising by 20.46 per cent year-on-year from N4,600.23 to N5,541.25. It also edged up slightly by 0.61 per cent month-on-month.
In contrast, palm oil offered some relief, as the average price of one litre fell by 4.71 per cent year-on-year from N2,511.77 to N2,393.38.
The NBS noted that the overall trend reflects a mixed picture of food price movements, where annual reductions in some commodities are offset by monthly increases that continue to strain household budgets.
Analysts attribute the fluctuations to supply chain disruptions, seasonal variations, and broader market inefficiencies affecting food distribution across the country.
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