Onion prices soar by 900% in Nigeria

THE price of onions in Nigeria has reportedly risen to N300,000 per 120-kilogram bag in major urban markets, up from N30,000 in April 2026, putting additional pressure on households, traders and food vendors. The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria attributed the increase to seasonal shortages and supply challenges.

The reported rise represents a tenfold increase in six months, equivalent to 900 per cent. Onions, a common ingredient in Nigerian homes and food businesses, have become significantly more expensive as supplies from major producing areas struggle to meet demand.

Key onion-producing states in northern Nigeria, including Sokoto, Kebbi and Kano, face substantial post-harvest losses. Without adequate storage facilities, farmers often have to sell their produce quickly to avoid spoilage, with losses reportedly affecting half or more of some harvests.

Early rainfall, flooding in producing areas and rising transportation costs have also contributed to supply pressures. Higher fuel prices have increased the cost of moving onions from northern farms to markets in southern Nigeria, while supplies from neighbouring Niger Republic have reportedly provided limited relief.

Market prices in other parts of the country reflect the pressure. In Enugu, large bags of onions have recently sold for between N272,000 and N280,000, while smaller quantities have also recorded significant increases.

Earlier reports from Lagos placed bag prices between N150,000 and N250,000 by the middle of the year.

The rising prices have prompted complaints on social media, with consumers expressing concern over the increasing cost of everyday food items. Food vendors and traders are also facing higher operating costs, which could translate into more expensive meals and retail prices for consumers.

Although onion prices typically fluctuate with seasonal production and supply, the current increase has renewed calls for investment in modern storage facilities and better post-harvest management. Industry stakeholders say reducing spoilage and improving the movement of produce from farms to markets could help stabilise supplies and limit future price shocks.