Despite bumper harvests across Nigeria, the expected effects on food prices have varied significantly in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
In Kano State, new harvests have led to a notable decrease in food prices. For example, the price of a bag of maize has dropped to ₦95,000 from ₦105,000, and millet has decreased to ₦80,000 from ₦90,000.
However, local rice remains costly, with prices between ₦150,000 and ₦170,000 per bag. Groundnut prices have also fallen, now ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦170,000 compared to ₦200,000 in July.
Tomatoes have become cheaper, with prices for a bowl and measure dropping to ₦2,400 and ₦2,000, respectively. Conversely, onions have seen a price increase due to weather-related supply shortages, selling at ₦70,000 per bag.
In Kaduna State, the situation is mixed. While prices in Zaria and Kafanchan have reduced, they remain high in parts of Kaduna city. In Kafanchan, bumper harvests have led to lower prices for items such as tomatoes, now at ₦22,000 per basket compared to ₦35,000 earlier in the year. A bag of hybrid maize in Zaria sells for ₦85,000, while local maize is ₦75,000. However, in Giwa LGA, a 100kg bag of maize ranges from ₦88,000 to ₦91,000. In Kaduna city, prices have remained stable, with minimal decreases observed.
In Katsina State, despite the onset of new harvests, food prices remain high, with the exception of perishable items like tomatoes, which have seen price drops. Consumers and sellers alike report little to no significant change in food prices, indicating that the benefits of bumper harvests have not been uniformly felt across the state.
The varied impact on prices highlights the influence of multiple factors, including local supply conditions, demand levels, and external factors like weather and transportation logistics. Consumers in these states are experiencing mixed outcomes, with some benefiting from lower prices while others continue to face high costs for essential food items.
