Groundnut Hits ₦65,000, Maize ₦42,000 as Food Prices Remain Elevated in Aliade Market

Groundnut traded at ₦65,000 per 50kg sack while maize sold for ₦42,000 per 50kg bag in Aliade Market, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, according to the latest Friday market update released on February 20, 2026.

The figures reflect continued high demand and persistent pressure on staple food commodities amid transportation costs, seasonal supply constraints, and broader inflationary trends affecting agricultural produce across the state.

Traders at the busy rural trading hub reported the following prevailing prices for key items on a per 50kg sack/bag basis unless otherwise stated:

– Melon (Egusi) — ₦120,000 to ₦140,000 (highest-value item)
– Cashew nuts — ₦140,000 per bag
– Bene seed — ₦140,000
– Soya beans — ₦80,000
– White beans — ₦50,000 per Bagco bag
– Guinea corn — ₦45,000
– Maize (red & black varieties) — ₦42,000
– Rice paddy — ₦35,000
– Yam flour — ₦25,000 per bag
– Garri — ₦20,000 per 50kg bag
– Cassava flour — ₦10,000 per bag
– Akpu (fufu) — ₦2,000 per bag
– Oranges — ₦5,000 per bag
– Rubber of cashew nuts — ₦5,000

Market observers noted that grains, oil seeds, and legumes continue to command stronger margins compared with processed items like garri, cassava flour, and akpu. Traders attributed the elevated price levels largely to high transportation expenses from farms to markets, lingering effects of previous flooding on some harvests, and steady urban demand pulling supplies from rural collection points.

Aliade Market remains one of the most important agricultural produce exchange centres in southern Benue, serving communities in Gwer East and West LGAs as well as larger urban centres including Makurdi. Weekly price movements in the market are closely watched as early indicators of food inflation trends across the state.