Lagos Food Prices: Melon (Egusi) Jumps 29.73% Amid Mixed Trends
Lagos food prices recorded a mixed trend in September 2026, according to the latest Nairametrics market survey. While several staple food items posted month-on-month declines due to improved harvest inflows and better supply conditions, some commodities such as melon (egusi), tomatoes, and vegetable oil recorded notable price increases.
The average market price of a big bag of melon (egusi) rose by 29.73% from N370,000 in August to N480,000 in September, representing an 118.18% increase compared to the corresponding period last year. The traders attributed this increase to rising costs of producing and moving the crop from farming communities to urban markets, as well as insecurity in some producing areas.
On the other hand, most staples became cheaper during the month, with a big and medium bag of pepper decreasing by 20% and 11.11%, respectively. The average price of a 50kg bag of white and yellow maize fell from N50,000 in August to N40,000 in September, representing a 20% decline.