10 food items in Lagos with the sharpest price increases so far in 2025 

Food price pressures still weigh heavily on Lagos households as the cost of some essential food items surged between January and October 2025.

A monthly food-price survey conducted by the Nairametrics Research Team across major markets (Mile 12, Oyingbo, Daleko, and Mushin) shows that many essential items now sell for nearly double their prices at the start of the year. The survey is carried out in the second week of every month.

Data from market analysis reveals that tomatoes, fish, pepper, and beans saw the sharpest jumps, with some rising by more than 90% in just ten months.

The sharp rise in food prices reflects Nigeria’s ongoing inflationary pressures, driven by high fuel costs, exchange rate volatility, and logistic challenges. With tomatoes, fish, and pepper leading to the surge, consumers continue to bear the brunt of a strained food economy.

10 household food items whose price soared in 2025 

Carton of Indomie Noodles (BelleFull) — up 6.85%

A carton of Indomie Belle Full noodles increased from N14,300 in January 2025 to N15,280 in October 2025. It rose to N14,880 in May, N15,000 in July, and has remained stable at N15,280 since August.

While still among the more affordable household staples, consumers are feeling the impact as noodles are a quick daily meal for many low- and middle-income families.

Top Tea (52g pack) — up 9.95%

A 52g pack of Top Tea now sells for N810, up from N737 at the beginning of the year, marking a 9.95% increase. Prices peaked at N1,250 in June, dropped to N770 in August, and climbed again to N810 in October.

Though relatively modest compared to other items, this rise could be due to the broader cost adjustments across FMCG brands.

Chicken Lap (Frozen Food, Carton) — up 10.93%

Frozen food traders saw a steady rise in prices, with a carton of chicken lap climbing from N46,875 in January 2025 to N52,000 in October 2025. Price fluctuated and decreased to N48,000 in September before rising again to the October price.

Sellers blame exchange rate pressures and import costs, especially after new import policies tightened customs clearance, reported to Nairametrics.

Bag of Brown Beans 50kg — up 13.10%

A 50kg bag of brown beans rose from N84,000 in January to N95,000 in October, a 13.10% rise. T Prices dipped to N75,000 in June before rising steadily to N95,000 by September, where they have remained.

The price of beans typically fluctuates with seasonal supply, but traders at Daleko Market say high demand and limited northern supply have kept prices elevated.

Bournvita Cocoa Beverage (Jar) — up 16.06%

The price of a 500g/400g jar of Bournvita rose from N4,420 to N5,130, marking a 16.06% increase. The price increased gradually till it hit N5,130 in September.

The increment may be attributed to rising production and distribution costs driven by inflation and currency weakness.

Medium Bag of Pepper — up 36.36%

The medium bag of pepper followed the same trend, climbing from N33,000 to N45,000 in October 2025. It reached N85,000 in May, then fluctuated downward to N45,000 in October.

A trader at Mile 12 Market remarked, “Buyers complain daily, but we can’t reduce the price because suppliers increased theirs too.”

Big Bag of Pepper — up 45.28%

A big bag of pepper jumped from N51,625 to N75,000, a 45.28% increase. Retail sellers say that erratic weather and poor harvests contributed to the rise.

Prices spiked to N170,000 in May, dropped to N120,000 in June, climbed to N155,000 in August, and eased to N75,000 in October.

Pepper is an essential ingredient in almost every Nigerian dish. Prices moderated due to the harvest season, and the price may rise again as the harvest season ends and festive demand picks up.

Titus Fish (Mackerel, 1kg) — up 54.76%

The price of 1kg of Titus fish increased from N4,200 in January to N6,500 in October. This represents a 54.76% rise. Price peaked at N8500 in May and continued to fluctuate monthly to its October price.

Cold-room operators at Mushin market attribute the hike to exchange rate depreciation and higher import costs. One distributor explained that, “Fish importers are struggling with dollar rates and fuel prices. Every week, we adjust prices.”

Oval-Shaped Tomatoes Big Bag— up 62.96%

Closely following is the oval-shaped variety, which rose from N20,250 to N33,000. The oval-shaped tomatoes hit N45,000 in May before they declined gradually to N33,000 in October.

Tomatoes remain one of the most volatile items in the market due to their short shelf life and supply challenges. Some households have resorted to buying smaller quantities or switching to tin tomatoes as alternatives.

Round-Shaped Tomatoes — up 90.48%

A big basket of round-shaped tomatoes skyrocketed from N21,000 in January to N40,000 in October 2025, representing a massive 90.48% increase. Prices reached a high of N58,500 in May before easing to N40,000 in October due to the harvest season.

Traders at Mile 12 market blamed the surge on seasonal scarcity and increased transport costs from the North.

General Market Reaction 

Across all markets surveyed, traders and consumers expressed frustration at the rising cost of food items. Many buyers have reduced the quantity of purchases or switched to cheaper substitutes, while sellers say profit margins remain thin due to fluctuating supply costs.

Unless interventions are made to stabilize the supply chain and reduce the cost of transportation, bottlenecks and food affordability could worsen towards the end of the year.