Relief At Last! Food Prices Begin To Drop In Abuja Markets

Residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are beginning to notice a modest decline in the prices of key food staples—particularly rice—across various markets. However, the prices of essential cooking items like oil, tomatoes, fish, and meat remain painfully high, keeping the overall cost of living out of reach for many.

Market surveys show that while grain prices have dropped compared to the beginning of the year, this slight reprieve hasn’t translated into full relief for families still grappling with skyrocketing expenses on other food items.

At Kubwa Market, a 50kg bag of rice now sells for as low as ₦75,000, down from ₦88,000–₦90,000 in January. The 25kg variant has dropped from ₦43,000 to around ₦37,500 or less. Over at Nyanya Market, prices are even more favorable, with 50kg bags going for ₦70,000–₦72,000 depending on the brand, down from the earlier ₦90,000–₦93,000 range.

In city-center markets like Wuse, prices remain higher. A 50kg bag now costs between ₦78,000 and ₦80,000, a decrease from January’s ₦92,000, while a 25kg bag is priced between ₦39,000 and ₦40,000.

Ingredients Still Unaffordable

Despite the easing rice prices, many residents say the core problem remains: other essential ingredients are still alarmingly expensive.

“Though the drop is small, it gives some hope. But the truth is people are still suffering,” said Oluchi Benson, a civil servant in Jabi. “I go as far as Mandala to shop because I get better prices and quantities there.”

Christy Okoye, a Kubwa resident, echoed the concern. “Grains might be cheaper, but tomatoes, oil, and fish are now luxuries. Even iced fish—the so-called poor man’s protein—is beyond reach. In some places, beef is cheaper than fish. A kilo of beef costs over ₦7,000, and you won’t get any fish for less than ₦1,500.”

At Utako Market, a vendor called Mama B acknowledged the rice price reduction but said many families now struggle to afford food variety. “We can’t eat rice alone. What about protein, snacks for kids? Noodles and biscuits are almost forgotten. I now make pancakes and zobo for my kids—that’s what I can manage.”

Maria Ayo, a mother of four from Dutse Alhaji, shared how she now buys in bulk through group contributions to cut costs. “We use the contribution system to buy foodstuff, and it helps. But items like eggs, yams, fish, and meat are still beyond our budget. The government must act to improve life for ordinary Nigerians.”

Traders Blame Slow Sales on Rice Contributions

At Wuse Market, trader Mallam Aliyu reported reduced demand for rice, attributing it to communal contribution schemes where families bulk-purchase rice during festive seasons. “People are still eating what they got from last year’s contribution group. That’s why our sales dropped,” he explained.

While the falling rice prices hint at some economic relief, residents insist it’s far from enough. As long as cooking essentials and protein remain expensive, families will continue to struggle—regardless of official price trends.

The consensus among many in Abuja is clear: until the cost of a complete meal becomes affordable, the battle against food insecurity is far from over.