Why Food Costs Far More in Nigerian Cities Than at the Farm Gate
Where Nigerians live can determine how much they pay for food. National statistics for July 2026 showed urban inflation at 16.12%, compared with 13.77% in rural areas. Urban prices rose 1.90% month-on-month, while rural prices rose 0.78%. Market prices show the gap clearly. A large yam reportedly sold for about ₦1,200 in Gboko, Benue, but ₦2,500 in Lugbe, Abuja. A 50kg bag of Nigerian rice was about ₦45,000 in Gboko and ₦57,000 in Lugbe. Tomatoes also cost far more in major consumption centres than in producing markets. The food itself did not become better on the journey. Transport costs, fuel, poor roads, spoilage, storage, market charges, middlemen and security risks add a hidden tax between farm and plate. This is why better roads, cold storage, rail freight and efficient wholesale markets should be treated as food-affordability policies. Nigeria can have farmers complaining that food is too cheap while city residents complain that the same food is too expensive. Both can be right, because the supply chain may be taking the difference.
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