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Shoppers at Aliade Market in Benue State experienced a rollercoaster of price movements over the weekend, with some staple food items recording sharp increases while others offered modest relief amid ongoing volatility in local markets.
A market survey conducted by Benue Info-pedia on Sunday revealed divergent trends across major commodities. Maize prices edged upward, climbing from ₦37,000 to ₦40,000 per bag. Beniseed (sesame) saw one of the steepest hikes, surging to ₦135,000 per bag, with a basin measure trading at around ₦45,000. Groundnut maintained high levels, with premium quality selling for ₦57,000 per bag. Soyabeans also jumped significantly, rising from ₦50,000 to ₦75,000 per bag.
On the brighter side, several key staples eased, providing some respite for households. Cassava flour posted one of the largest reductions, dropping from ₦11,000 to ₦8,000 per bag. Garri fell to ₦15,000 per bag, while rice paddy declined to ₦30,000 per bag. Guinea corn also softened to ₦40,000 per bag, and akpu (fufu) decreased to ₦1,500 per bag. Yam flour ranged between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 per bag, melon (egusi) settled at ₦95,000 per bag, and yam tubers sold from ₦50,000 to ₦80,000 per 100 tubers depending on size and quality. Cashew nuts traded at ₦5,000 per rubber measure, with full bags reaching ₦130,000.
Traders attributed the frequent price swings to a combination of supply constraints, rising transportation costs, seasonal factors, and broader market dynamics. Many noted that further adjustments remain likely in the coming weeks as supply chains and demand patterns continue to shift.
The mixed price movements reflect persistent challenges in Benue’s food economy, where staple costs remain sensitive to production cycles, logistics issues, and external pressures. While declines in items like cassava flour, garri, and rice paddy brought temporary relief to buyers, the upward pressure on maize, beniseed, soyabeans, and groundnut underscored ongoing affordability concerns for many households. Market watchers expect continued volatility until harvest patterns and transportation conditions stabilize.
