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Traders and shoppers at Aliade Market in Benue State experienced another week of uneven price adjustments across major food commodities, with some staples recording notable increases while others offered modest relief, according to a market survey conducted by Benue Info-pedia on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The latest observations highlight the persistent volatility in local food prices, driven largely by supply constraints, rising transportation costs, and seasonal factors. Traders expect these fluctuations to continue in the weeks ahead as market dynamics remain fluid.
Groundnut prices held firm at relatively high levels, with high-grade varieties trading at ₦55,000 per bag and lower-quality grades going for ₦50,000. Beniseed (sesame) saw an upward swing, now selling at ₦135,000 per bag, while a basin measure fetched around ₦45,000.
Soyabeans also trended higher, climbing from ₦65,000 to ₦75,000 per bag. Maize followed suit, rising from ₦35,000 to ₦37,000 per bag. Akpu (cassava paste) recorded a moderate increase, moving from ₦2,000 to ₦2,500 per bag.
Cassava flour, however, provided one of the most significant drops of the week, falling sharply from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000 per bag. Guinea corn offered further relief to buyers, declining substantially from ₦50,000 to ₦45,000 per bag. Local rice (paddy) at the wholesale level also became more affordable, dropping from ₦30,000 to ₦25,000 per bag.
Melon seed (egusi) prices remained stable within the ₦110,000–₦115,000 range per bag. Yam prices varied between ₦80,000 and ₦90,000 for 100 tubers, depending on size and quality. Rubber-sized cashew nuts were reported at approximately ₦3,000.
Market participants attribute the frequent price swings to ongoing challenges in supply chains, elevated costs of moving goods, and the influence of seasonal production patterns. Many believe that without significant improvements in transportation infrastructure and farm output, consumers should prepare for continued instability in staple food prices in the near term.
The mixed movements at Aliade Market reflect broader trends across Benue’s major trading hubs, where households continue to navigate the impact of rising and falling commodity costs on daily budgets.
