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Food commodity prices remained elevated and largely stable at Aliade Market in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with grains, oil seeds, and other staples continuing to command strong margins amid steady demand and persistent supply-side pressures.
A market survey conducted that day showed melons (egusi) and bene seeds leading the price chart, selling as high as ₦140,000 and ₦140,000 respectively per 50kg sack. Cashew nuts also fetched premium rates at ₦130,000 per bag.
Groundnut traded at ₦68,000 per 50kg sack, reflecting sustained high value for the oil seed. Maize (red and black lines) sold for ₦42,000 per 50kg bag, while white beans (green line) went for ₦50,000 per Bagco bag and soya beans (red and black lines) reached ₦85,000 per 50kg sack.
Guinea corn (red and yellow lines) was priced at ₦45,000 per 50kg bag, rice paddy (red and black lines) at ₦35,000 per 50kg sack, and garri (red and yellow lines) stood at ₦20,000 per 50kg bag. Cassava flour sold for ₦10,000 per bag, yam flour at ₦25,000 per bag, and akpu at ₦2,000 per bag.
Other recorded items included oranges at ₦5,000 per bag (green and red lines) and rubber at ₦4,000 per measure.
Traders attributed the firm price levels to ongoing transportation costs, seasonal supply fluctuations, and strong demand for grains and oil seeds, which continue to outpace most other categories in terms of market strength. Aliade Market remains a vital agricultural produce hub in Gwer LGA, serving surrounding rural communities and feeding urban centres across Benue State.
The stability in prices—particularly for staples like groundnut, maize, beans, and soya—underscores the continued pressure on household budgets even as the new planting season approaches. Market participants expect prices to remain elevated until fresh harvests begin to ease supply constraints in the coming months.
By MC Oliver Nyikyaa
