The usual Easter shopping rush across major markets in Lagos has slowed significantly, as rising food prices force many residents to cut back on purchases, a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has revealed. The survey, conducted on Friday and Saturday, covered key markets including Mile 12, Oyingbo and markets along the Lekki-Epe corridor, finding that the gap between the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration and the Easter season has widened due to sharp price increases over the past two weeks.
The price surge has been particularly pronounced for perishable cooking ingredients. A bag of scotch bonnet pepper, popularly known as atarodo, now sells for N105,000, up from N85,000 during the Eid-el-Fitr period. A 25kg bag of bell pepper (tatashe) has doubled to N70,000 from N35,000, while chilli pepper (shombo/bawa) has risen to N60,000 from N35,000. Other staples have also climbed, with a 100kg bag of onions now costing N84,000 compared to N71,000 two weeks ago, and a 50kg basket of tomatoes currently selling for N40,000, up from N30,000 within the same period.
Mr Femi Odusanya, spokesperson for Mile 12 Market, attributed the persistent price increases to rising transportation and logistics costs, largely driven by the high cost of fuel, including Premium Motor Spirit and diesel. He noted that disruptions in the global energy market, worsened by tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, have continued to push up fuel prices, with a ripple effect on food distribution and the overall cost of living. Odusanya urged the Federal Government to provide palliatives to help Nigerians cope with the rising cost of food amid the geopolitical tensions.
Also speaking, a foodstuff trader at Mile 12 Market, Mrs Bose Adeyemi, said the situation had significantly weakened consumers’ purchasing power. According to her, many buyers now purchase smaller quantities based on what they can afford at a time. “Some just come to check prices and leave because costs have risen sharply within a short period,” she said. At Oyingbo Market, another trader, Mr Imran Hassan, said price volatility had made it difficult for traders to plan effectively. He added that the cost of transporting goods from northern Nigeria had increased considerably, forcing traders to pass on the additional costs to consumers.
From an economic perspective, the subdued Easter spending reflects the cumulative impact of sustained inflationary pressures on household disposable income. The food price increases documented across Lagos markets are not isolated phenomena but rather part of a broader trend affecting the entire country. The transmission channel is clear: higher global energy prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, increase the cost of diesel and petrol, which in turn raises the cost of transporting food from farming areas to urban markets. These costs are ultimately borne by consumers, who face a choice between purchasing smaller quantities, substituting cheaper alternatives, or forgoing certain items entirely.
A buyer, Mr Emeka Okafor, said he had adjusted his Easter plans due to the rising prices. He noted that while his family typically celebrates with abundant food, they would scale down this year in line with prevailing economic realities. Many other consumers called for urgent government intervention to stabilise fuel prices and address supply chain challenges, warning that continued increases could further dampen spending during festive periods. They stressed the need for measures to cushion the impact on households and ensure food affordability.
However, some residents and foodstuff traders in Lagos offered a more nuanced picture, with differing views on patronage and affordability. A foodstuff trader at Iyana-Ipaja market, Mr Samuel Nwabueze, decried the low patronage of consumers during this year’s Easter. “Sales have really been low from Good Friday, the patronage this year doesn’t seem as if there is any celebration going on. The patronage of foodstuffs presently is just like any other weekend, nothing special. Only a few consistent customers who I know will still patronise us, is what I still hope for increased this Easter period,” Nwabueze said.
Another foodstuff trader at Ile-Epo market, popularly known as Alhaji Yellow, said patronage was usual with nothing special. “People are buying as they would on a normal weekend. There no exorbitant sales and we are glad to sell to those who can still buy. The price of our food items have not really increased. A 50kg bag of rice still sells between N65,000 and N85,000 depending on the brand the customer wants. A bag of beans sells between N75,000 and N80,000 still depending on the brand the customer wants. We sure hope for good sales this Easter in spite of the low patronage,” he said.
A consumer at Aboru area of the state, Mrs Lilian Agunbiade, said she did not even remember it was Easter celebrations because of lack of funds to shop. “I didn’t even remember it was Easter celebrations because I don’t have the funds to buy things for the celebration. Although the prices of food items are quite fair, a neighbour bought two baskets of tomatoes at a very good price because we have few people buying. We do hope for a joyful Easter celebration even if some of us cannot afford to buy things for the celebration,” Agunbiade said.
Another consumer at the Shasha area of the state, Mrs Ajuma Ajeka, said she would celebrate Easter cost or no cost. Ajeka observed that the prices of food items were relatively affordable. “Easter is meant to be celebrated, money or no money. Though I didn’t buy a big basket of tomatoes because it will be too much for what I need. I bought two buckets of big tomatoes for N3,000 each and I believe it is a fair deal considering tomatoes are out of season. A basket of peppers also sold for N3,500 and onions was most affordable today, I bought a big portion of onions for N2,000. I think the prices are fair for people that really have the intention to celebrate Easter,” she said.
Mrs Abiodun Green at Dopemu area of the state, said the prices of food items were relatively affordable this Easter. Green said she would buy only what she needs. “We thank God for Easter but I will only buy what I can afford for myself and children to celebrate this Easter. Although, I think the cost of food items did not go overboard this year, one can only live within their means,” she said.
The divergence in consumer experiences reflects the varying impact of price increases across different food categories. While perishable items such as peppers and tomatoes have seen dramatic price spikes, staples like rice and beans have remained relatively stable. This means that households that rely more heavily on fresh produce for their traditional Easter meals have been harder hit than those whose celebrations centre on grains and legumes. The mixed picture also suggests that some consumers are adapting by changing their consumption patterns rather than simply spending more.
For policymakers, the subdued Easter spending provides a real-time indicator of household economic stress. While macroeconomic indicators may show progress on inflation, the lived experience of many Nigerians remains one of constraint and difficult choices. The government’s Renewed Hope agenda includes social protection measures intended to cushion the impact of reforms, but the testimony of consumers across Lagos markets suggests that many households are still struggling to afford basic food items during festive periods.
