Residents and food businesses buying through Mile 12 Market are facing mixed price movements, as a new Lagos food survey reports reductions in the prices of garri, maize and pepper alongside sharp increases in tomatoes and egusi.
The September 2026 survey, published by Nairametrics on October 2, tracked 67 food items across Mile 12, Mushin, Daleko and Oyingbo markets.
Of the commodities monitored, 36 recorded price reductions, 16 became more expensive and 15 remained unchanged compared with August.
The report, however, presented combined averages from the four markets. It did not provide separate prices for Mile 12, meaning the figures should not be interpreted as prices recorded exclusively at the Kosofe food hub.
Garri, maize and pepper become cheaper
Across the four markets, the average price of a 50kg bag of white or yellow maize fell from ₦50,000 in August to ₦40,000 in September, representing a 20 per cent reduction.
A 50kg bag of yellow garri dropped from ₦21,000 to ₦18,000, while the same quantity of white garri declined from ₦22,000 to ₦19,500.
A big bag of pepper averaged ₦80,000 after recording a 20 per cent reduction. A medium bag fell by 11.11 per cent to ₦40,000.
Oloyin beans also became cheaper, declining from ₦82,000 to ₦75,000. A 50kg bag of brown beans averaged ₦105,000.
Tomatoes and egusi move in the opposite direction
While several staples became cheaper, tomatoes and egusi recorded significant increases.
The average price of a big basket of oval-shaped tomatoes rose from ₦70,000 in August to ₦80,000 in September. A big basket of round tomatoes increased from ₦40,000 to ₦45,000.
Egusi recorded the steepest rise among the surveyed commodities. A big bag increased from an average of ₦370,000 to ₦480,000, representing a 29.73 per cent month-on-month increase.
Cooking oils also became more expensive. Five litres of local vegetable oil rose from ₦10,500 to ₦11,000, while five litres of local palm oil increased from ₦8,000 to ₦8,500.
The report attributed the reductions in some staple prices to improved harvest supplies and relatively stable transportation costs.
It linked increases in other commodities to insecurity in food-producing areas, supply-chain disruption and bulk purchases by distributors preparing for the festive season.
What it means for Kosofe residents
Mile 12 Market, located within Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, is one of Lagos State’s most important food-distribution centres. Its activities affect retailers, restaurants, caterers and households across Kosofe and other parts of the state.
Cheaper maize, garri and pepper could provide some relief for residents already dealing with pressure on household budgets. However, increases in tomatoes, egusi and cooking oil may continue to push up the cost of preparing many Nigerian meals.
Because the survey does not provide a Mile 12-only breakdown or the precise dates on which the September observations were taken, a fresh market check is required to establish what wholesalers and retailers are currently charging at Mile 12.
Source: Nairametrics Food Price Survey, published October 2, 2026. (nairametrics.com)