By Passman Akpos
As the 2025 Yuletide season unfolds, Nigerians are experiencing a festive period defined by sharp contrasts—welcome relief from falling food prices on one hand, and rising costs of festive essentials on the other.
Across major markets nationwide, prices of staple food items such as rice, honey beans, onions and peppers have declined significantly compared to the same period last year, offering a lifeline to households grappling with shrinking disposable income. However, this relief has been tempered by renewed price hikes in cooking oils, seasonings, livestock products, festive hampers and decorations, forcing families to make difficult spending choices.
Staples Bring Relief Across Major MarketsA Vanguard survey at Mile 12 Market in Lagos revealed dramatic price drops in staples that traditionally spike during the festive season. A 50kg bag of foreign rice, which sold for as much as ₦140,000 in December 2024, now goes for between ₦56,000 and ₦65,000, depending on brand and quality. Local rice has also fallen sharply, from about ₦94,000 last year to ₦58,000, with some sellers offering it for as low as ₦45,000.
Traders attributed the decline largely to increased participation in farming and improved storage practices.
“Many Nigerians went into farming, and that is why food is in surplus and prices have come down,” said Madam Mary, a Lagos-based foodstuff seller. She noted that prices of garri, pepper and other essentials had dropped significantly, though some items rose again due to heightened festive demand.
Vegetables Swing as Demand PeaksWhile grains and tubers have become more affordable, perishable vegetables remain volatile. Repeated visits to Mile 12 Market on December 12 and 16 showed sharp swings in tomato prices. A large basket sold for ₦20,000–₦25,000 on December 12, but jumped to ₦40,000–₦45,000 by December 16.
According to traders, supply from northern states such as Jos and Zaria has increased availability, but perishability and festive demand continue to fuel fluctuations.
“Last week, tomatoes from Zaria sold for ₦20,000 to ₦25,000. This week, those from Jos are selling between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000,” said Wasiu, a tomato trader. He added that softer tomatoes, known as esa in Yoruba and awarawa in Igbo, are cheaper, though overall supply is higher this year.
Onions recorded one of the steepest declines, falling from ₦280,000–₦300,000 per bag last December to between ₦80,000 for newly harvested stock and ₦120,000 for older varieties. Honey beans dropped from ₦13,000 per paint bucket to ₦5,000, while pepper prices eased from ₦64,000 to about ₦56,000.
Cooking Oils: Relief ReversedCooking oils initially brought modest relief, with vegetable oil prices falling by 15.8 per cent and palm oil by 14.5 per cent compared to December 2024. A 4.5-litre keg of Power Oil sold for ₦16,000, down from ₦19,000 last year, while five-litre kegs of Golden Terra and Mamador sold for about ₦17,000.
However, traders say the gains have been partly reversed by yuletide demand. Unbranded oils sold in reused water bottles have become popular among budget-conscious households.“My customers prefer refill sachets because they are affordable,” said Mrs. Comfort Ugochi, a wholesaler in Ikotun, Lagos. “Large kegs are mostly bought by end-users or as gifts.”
Seasonings and Festive Items SoarIn contrast, seasonings and spices have surged in price. Chicken-flavoured seasoning cubes rose by 19.6 per cent, while Knorr chicken cubes increased by 11.6 per cent. Maggi crayfish and chicken cubes rose by 11.5 per cent.
“Chicken-flavoured cubes sell for ₦1,600 per pack, while Knorr is ₦2,100,” Mrs. Ugochi explained. “Most households now buy cheaper options.”
Festive hampers and decorations have also climbed sharply. A large non-alcoholic hamper now sells for ₦85,000, up from ₦60,000 last year, while premium alcoholic hampers retail at ₦105,000. Christmas trees that sold for ₦50,000 last year now cost about ₦65,000.
“Manufacturers increased prices due to higher energy and production costs,” said Miss Rita Nzelu, a supermarket employee. “It has affected sales volume.”
Livestock Beyond ReachMeat and poultry prices have surged, pushing festive protein beyond the reach of many households. At Badagry Market in Lagos, cartons of frozen turkey now land at ₦70,000, retailing at up to ₦76,000, compared to ₦48,000–₦52,000 last year. Live turkeys sell for as much as ₦150,000 for imported varieties.
“The festive rush and weak naira have pushed meat prices up,” said frozen food dealer Ngozi Nwani.
Consumers Shift to AlternativesWith poultry prices soaring, consumers are turning to alternatives such as fish and goat meat. Panla (Hake) fish sells for ₦42,000–₦50,000 per carton and has become a household staple.
“Before, people ignored Panla, but now it is in nearly every home,” said fish dealer Adebisi Adebambo.
Goat prices have also risen, with average goats selling for ₦70,000 in Lagos and up to ₦250,000 for larger animals.
Farmers Count LossesWhile consumers enjoy cheaper staples, farmers—particularly onion growers in Jos—are counting losses due to surplus harvests triggered by last year’s high prices.
“Last year, we made profits. This year, onions are in surplus and prices crashed,” one farmer lamented.
A Mixed Festive RealityDecember 2025 has delivered a mixed yuletide experience. Surplus harvests, better storage and improved supply chains have eased prices of staples and cooking oils, but meat, seasonings, livestock and festive items remain costly.
Analysts say while Nigerians are benefiting from more predictable food pricing, imported goods and livestock remain vulnerable to currency fluctuations and rising transport costs.
“The yuletide is both a season of relief and a test of resourcefulness,” said Dare Adu, CEO of Foodthrift. “Households are adjusting—buying fish instead of poultry, refill oils instead of branded packs, and scaling back on gifts.”For many Nigerian families, the lesson of Christmas 2025 is clear: survival now depends as much on smart choices as festive cheer.
